According to a report released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday 2023 ODI World Cup in India created an “economic impact” of USD 1.39 billion, with tourism among the biggest beneficiaries. The Economic Impact Assessment claimed that the mega-event held in October-November last year was the biggest ever ODI World Cup.

ICC Chief Executive, Geoff Allardice said in a statement that, “The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 has demonstrated the significant economic power of cricket, generating economic benefit of USD 1.39 billion (Rs 11,637 crore) for India,”.

An ICC statement read, “The impact of tourism across the host cities amounted to USD 861.4 million of revenue generation, through accommodation, travel, transportation and food and beverage because of a massive influx of domestic and foreign tourists attending the matches.”

“The secondary and incremental spends within the economy was a key driver, generating USD 515.7 million, which was approximately 37 per cent of the total impact.”

However, the ICC did not specify whether the massive figure cited in the report is actual revenue.The report claimed that record-breaking 1.25 million spectators attended the mega event, of which nearly 75 per cent were attending an ICC 50-over match for the first time ever.