‘Panauti Stadium Nahi Chahiye’: Netizens Launch Viral Petition to Move T20 World Cup Final to Wankhede

A wave of “superstition and nostalgia” has hit social media as Indian cricket fans launch a viral campaign to shift the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final from Ahmedabad to Mumbai. Following India’s electrifying semi-final victory over England at the Wankhede Stadium, supporters have begun signing petitions at Marine Drive, fearing the “Ahmedabad curse” that saw India lose the 2023 ODI World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Videos circulating online show fans labeling the Ahmedabad venue as “Panauti” (unlucky) and pleading with the ICC to reconsider the venue. The movement gained momentum after the intense atmosphere in Mumbai was credited with boosting the team’s performance. However, despite the emotional plea from fans, the final remains scheduled for Sunday, March 8, at the world’s largest stadium in Ahmedabad, where a record crowd of over 1.3 lakh is expected.

The “Wankhede vs. Ahmedabad” debate hasn’t stopped fans from traveling, though. Airfares on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route have skyrocketed by over 100%, with last-minute tickets priced between ₹7,300 and ₹8,400. While the petitions hold no legal weight, they highlight the high-stakes anxiety of a fanbase desperate to see the Men in Blue lift the trophy on home soil.