Last Updated:February 19, 2025, 15:50 IST

Despite the return of a marquee ICC event to Pakistani soil, the ground lacked a sold-out crowd as over half the stadium remained unoccupied as the home side took on the Kiwis. Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan came up with a tongue-in-cheek reaction to the…Read More

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan vs New Zealand. (X)

Pakistan hosted their first ICC event in nearly three decades as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicked off at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday as the hosts square up against New Zealand in the curtain raiser of the event.

Despite the return of the marquee ICC event to Pakistani soil, the ground lacked a sold-out crowd as over half the stadium remained unoccupied as the home side took on the Kiwis. Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan came up with a tongue-in-cheek reaction to the situation as he shared an update that read, “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 user said, “First major ICC tournament in years, newly refurbished stadiums, Home side Pakistan playing, still stands empty. Shows the state of Pakistan’s economy. When the tickets were free during the inauguration of the Lahore stadium, it was entirely full. Sad”

While another said, “Match 1 Pakistan vs new-Zealand in Pakistan and the stadium is half empty? I don’t get it #ChampionsTrophy2025″

One follower posted, “Half the stadium is empty lmao and they are the hosts”

Another fan said, “More than half of the stadium is empty in Karachi that too when home team is playing.”

Another user shared, WPL pulling more crowd than this empty stadium for inaugural match. It’s dumbest decision by @ICC to give Pakistan hosting opportunity “

Pakistan won the coin toss and opted to put New Zealand to bat first.