The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is legendary, filled with memorable matches that have captured the imagination of fans worldwide. These contests often carry significant emotional weight, creating an electric atmosphere wherever they are played. Both teams have a massive global following, ensuring high viewership for every encounter. Stadiums are typically filled to capacity, and television ratings soar when these teams clash. Yet, a unique match between India and Pakistan stands out due to its incredibly low attendance, with a mere 750 spectators present.
This low turnout might be surprising, particularly given the stature of the teams involved and the widespread enthusiasm for such matches. It’s important to note that this match was not played under any restrictions that limited attendance; it occurred during a time when such constraints were absent. Despite the presence of several prominent players, the match drew a surprisingly small crowd.
The match was held on September 16, 1996, marking its 29th anniversary. It was historic for being the first ODI hosted in Canada, a nation not traditionally known for its cricket interest. The decision to host the match in Canada was strategic, considering the large expatriate populations from India and Pakistan residing there. However, the event was somewhat of a letdown because only around 750 spectators came to the Toronto stadium to watch the game.
The exact causes for the low attendance are not completely clear, but heavy rainfall in Toronto on that day likely contributed. The weather resulted in a shortened match, with each innings reduced to 33 overs. During that period, Sachin Tendulkar was at the height of his career, dominating international cricket. His performance was pivotal in this game as well. Pakistan batted first, scoring 170 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Saeed Anwar was the top scorer with 46 runs from 34 balls. Javagal Srinath and Anil Kumble each took three wickets for India. In response, Sachin Tendulkar’s unbeaten 89 runs from 89 balls led India to an eight-wicket victory in 29.5 overs.