Long Queues at Old Trafford Mar England vs India Test Match Experience
Published 23 July 2025
Highlights
- Frustrated cricket fans faced long queues at Old Trafford, missing the start of the England vs India Test match.
- Lancashire County Cricket Club apologized for the delays, citing late arrivals and bag searches as contributing factors.
- The club plans to increase the number of entry gates and encourages early arrival for future matches.
- Lancashire's efforts to strengthen ties with India include hosting events and seeking partnerships with Indian Premier League teams.
- The match is crucial for Lancashire, which seeks to capitalize on hosting India amid past challenges with ticket sales and event cancellations.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Long Queues at Old Trafford Mar England vs India Test Match Experience
Cricket fans faced significant delays entering Old Trafford for the England vs India Test match, with many missing the start of play due to "shameful" queues. The match, part of a five-test series with England leading 2-1, saw India off to a strong start, reaching over 100-1. However, the excitement was dampened for many spectators who were stuck outside the stadium.
Fan Frustration and Club Response
Andrew from Marple, Stockport, described the match-day organization as needing a "radical overhaul," while Kevin Ticehurst noted the queue stretched "five miles long in either direction." In response, Lancashire County Cricket Club issued an apology, acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the delays. A club representative explained that nearly 9,000 supporters arrived late, despite prior encouragement for early arrival. The club has committed to increasing the number of entry gates and advised fans to minimize bag usage to expedite entry.
Strengthening UK-India Cricket Relations
Lancashire's efforts to foster UK-India cricket relations have been ongoing, with initiatives such as hosting a new Indian consulate event in Manchester and establishing a channel on JioTV, an Indian streaming service. The club's chief executive, Daniel Gidney, has expressed a desire for Lancashire to become a favored team among Indian cricket fans. This ambition is supported by partnerships with Indian Premier League teams, such as the 70% stake acquisition in Manchester Originals by RPSG, owners of the Lucknow Super Giants.
A Critical Week for Lancashire
Hosting India is a significant opportunity for Lancashire, especially as the club will not host a Test next summer and missed out on a men's Ashes match in two years. Previous challenges, including disappointing ticket sales for a Test against Sri Lanka and a rain-abandoned England-Australia T20, underscore the importance of capitalizing on this event. The club's hierarchy experienced a brief relief when Chris Woakes bowled to Yashasvi Jaiswal, marking the start of the match.
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Scenario Analysis
Looking ahead, Lancashire County Cricket Club's ability to address organizational issues will be crucial in maintaining fan satisfaction and capitalizing on high-profile matches. The club's efforts to strengthen ties with India could enhance its international profile and attract more significant events. However, continued logistical challenges could undermine these ambitions. Experts suggest that improving fan experience and ensuring smooth event execution will be vital for Lancashire's long-term success in the competitive cricket landscape.
Cricket fans faced significant delays entering Old Trafford for the England vs India Test match, with many missing the start of play due to "shameful" queues. The match, part of a five-test series with England leading 2-1, saw India off to a strong start, reaching over 100-1. However, the excitement was dampened for many spectators who were stuck outside the stadium.
Fan Frustration and Club Response
Andrew from Marple, Stockport, described the match-day organization as needing a "radical overhaul," while Kevin Ticehurst noted the queue stretched "five miles long in either direction." In response, Lancashire County Cricket Club issued an apology, acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the delays. A club representative explained that nearly 9,000 supporters arrived late, despite prior encouragement for early arrival. The club has committed to increasing the number of entry gates and advised fans to minimize bag usage to expedite entry.
Strengthening UK-India Cricket Relations
Lancashire's efforts to foster UK-India cricket relations have been ongoing, with initiatives such as hosting a new Indian consulate event in Manchester and establishing a channel on JioTV, an Indian streaming service. The club's chief executive, Daniel Gidney, has expressed a desire for Lancashire to become a favored team among Indian cricket fans. This ambition is supported by partnerships with Indian Premier League teams, such as the 70% stake acquisition in Manchester Originals by RPSG, owners of the Lucknow Super Giants.
A Critical Week for Lancashire
Hosting India is a significant opportunity for Lancashire, especially as the club will not host a Test next summer and missed out on a men's Ashes match in two years. Previous challenges, including disappointing ticket sales for a Test against Sri Lanka and a rain-abandoned England-Australia T20, underscore the importance of capitalizing on this event. The club's hierarchy experienced a brief relief when Chris Woakes bowled to Yashasvi Jaiswal, marking the start of the match.
What this might mean
Looking ahead, Lancashire County Cricket Club's ability to address organizational issues will be crucial in maintaining fan satisfaction and capitalizing on high-profile matches. The club's efforts to strengthen ties with India could enhance its international profile and attract more significant events. However, continued logistical challenges could undermine these ambitions. Experts suggest that improving fan experience and ensuring smooth event execution will be vital for Lancashire's long-term success in the competitive cricket landscape.
