The half-empty cricket stadium seen on Sunday for the third ODI between India and Sri Lanka held at Thiruvananthapuram has sparked a row. Sports minister V Abdurahiman had earlier made a controversial statement by saying that those starving need not watch the cricket match from the stadium.
Minister Abdurahiman, on January 9, said, “Those starving need not go and watch the game.” He made the remark while being questioned about the entertainment tax for the ticket prices, which was increased to 12 per cent. Opposition leader VD Satheesan in a statement said the sports minister should not again question the self-esteem of Malayalis. He wrote on Facebook, “The Sports Minister said those who are starving should not come to watch the game. The game is taking place in front of an empty gallery. Don’t question the self-esteem of Malayalis, at least from now”.
The stadium was half-empty on a Sunday and was seen as a protest by the people against the sports minister. Many have raised concerns over the half-empty stadium, including former Indian cricketing legends.
