Kolkata's Eden debunks attendance fears, turns up for Scotland vs West Indies

Kolkata's Eden Gardens brushed aside attendance concerns after Bangladesh pulled out of the T20 World Cup 2026, citing security issues, with Scotland stepping in to face the West Indies in their season opener.

Kolkata once again reaffirmed its standing as a cricket-loving city as Eden Gardens dismissed concerns over spectator turnout during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

The fixture underwent a late change after Bangladesh pulled out of their scheduled Kolkata match citing security concerns, with Scotland stepping in to face West Indies in the tournament opener at the venue. Despite India not playing at Eden Gardens during this phase of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, around 19,000 spectators turned up, underlining the city's enduring appetite for top-level cricket.

West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup: Highlights

Ahead of the match, some Bangladeshi media outlets circulated images suggesting low attendance. Those visuals, however, were taken well before the start of play. As the game progressed, the stands filled steadily, with the crowd crossing the 19,000 mark. Fans across social media were quick to stress the need for accurate representation of match-day turnout, particularly at a venue with Eden Gardens' stature.

For many in attendance, the evening was about more than national loyalties. Supporters viewed it as a shared responsibility and an opportunity to celebrate the sport itself, irrespective of which teams were involved. The strong turnout not only lifted the atmosphere but also reinforced Kolkata's reputation as a dependable host for major international events.

On the field, West Indies delivered a commanding performance, opening their campaign with a 35-run victory over Scotland in their Group C clash on Saturday.