‘Where is the crowd?’: Farcical Champions Trophy scenes slammed

The Champions Trophy kicked off overnight but fans were left scratching their heads over what appeared to be a massive oversight.

A classic catch, twin centuries and runs galore have kicked off the 2025 Champions Trophy with a bang as New Zealand stole host Pakistan’s thunder in the tournament opener.

But while the match may have seemed like it had everything, one question that popped up was about the fans for the match.

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Kicking off Pakistan’s first major ICC tournament since the men’s 50-over World Cup in 1996, the Black Caps claimed a 60-run win over the hosts on the back of centuries to Will Young (107) and man of the match Tom Latham (118 not out off 104 balls).

By the end of the game, 29,300 fans packed out the National Stadium in Karachi, which has a capacity of 34,000.

But while it was a historic moment for cricket in the country, there were plenty of empty seats, particularly early in the match.

The crowd missed the start. Photo: X

And the sight of the unfilled blue seats in the nation that’s been starved of high-quality cricket for the best part of a decade immediately raised questions.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan said: “Great to see the champions trophy being played in Pakistan . First major event since 1996 . Have they forgotten to tell the locals it’s on . Where is the crowd ??”

One fan said: Waited 30 years for an ICC trophy, forgot to invite the crowd in Champion Trophy.”

Another fan said: “Not much hype about it, feels like a gully cricket league.”

A third replied: “This is just the opening game of the Champions Trophy, yet the stadium is only half full. Pathetic audience.”

A fourth added: “Literally there is no crowd have they forgotten that they have Champions trophy going on. That is why India is that important.”

Another posted: “Is this really a champions trophy match, matches held in our school ground have more crowd Than this … imagine Pakistan being a host nation and still having this much crowd what about other non pak matches …”

It's not a great look for the opening match of the tournament. Photo: X

Videos appeared to show plenty of other fans trying to get into the ground, but it wasn’t a great sign for the organisers with few fans in early.

However, as the match went on, the crowd made its way into the stadium and found its voice.

Still, it will raise more than a few questions about how many will turn out to matches not featuring the hosts.

It’s not a good start for Pakistan, who will likely need to win their remaining two matches against Bangladesh and India to qualify for the semi-finals.

Pakistan were never in the chase despite Khushdil Shah topscoring with a fiery 49-ball 69, including 10 boundaries and a six, while Babar Azam scored a more sedate 64 from 90 balls that had a six and six boundaries.

Salman Agha cracked a rapid 42 spiced with a six and six boundaries but none could go on and match Latham and Young’s knocks.

They were trying to get the atmosphere going. Photo by Asif HASSAN / AFP

Fast bowler Will O’Rourke finished with 3/47 while skipper Mitchell Santner took 3/66 as New Zealand made it three wins in as many matches against the hosts following their two tri-series wins last week.

“We were thinking of 260-280, but it shows what you can do if you have a platform and wickets in hand,” Santner said.

“Our ground fielding was good and to get Rizwan out with an excellent catch by Phillips was outstanding.”

Glenn Phillips took an all-time screamer to remove Mohammad Rizwan at backward point for just three.

Rizwan had smoked a shot behind point only for Phillips to take a diving catch off Will O’Rourke to leave Pakistan reeling at 2/22 off 10 overs.

Pakistan play arch rivals India in Dubai on Sunday, due to India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, before taking on Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Australia, England, Afghanistan and South Africa form Group B. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals.

With AFP

Originally published as ‘Where is the crowd?’: Farcical Champions Trophy scenes slammed