In recent times, the Mohali crowd has stayed away from international matches and last year Sachin Tendulkar became the leading scorer in Test cricket in a near-empty stadium. India also won the match by a record 320-run margin against the Australians but the crowds were missing.

Fans say that the 50-over format, which is being played in the Corporate Trophy, does not attract them any more in the time of slam-bang Twenty20 version.

'We do not want to watch 50-over or a five-day match any more when we have an option of Twenty20 cricket,' said Subodh Sharma, young cricket enthusiast.