The much-anticipated tournament opener witnessed a lackluster fan turnout despite Pakistan playing on home soil.
Karachi [Pakistan], February 19: The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy kicked off at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the tournament’s opening match. However, what was expected to be a packed stadium turned into a rather underwhelming sight, with only about 50% of seats occupied.
Despite Pakistan hosting an ICC event for the first time in nearly three decades, the lukewarm response from local fans raised concerns about the tournament’s overall attendance.
Disappointing Turnout in Karachi
The National Bank Cricket Arena, which has a seating capacity of approximately 34,000, was only half full at the start of the match. The lack of a full house came as a surprise, considering Pakistan’s passionate cricket fanbase and the significance of hosting an ICC event after so many years.
Several factors may have contributed to the low turnout, including:
- Ticket Pricing & Availability: Reports indicate that high ticket prices and limited online purchasing options may have deterred fans from attending.
- Security Restrictions: Strict security protocols in Karachi, including roadblocks and heavy police presence, may have made it difficult for fans to access the stadium easily.
- Weekday Scheduling: The match being played on a weekday may have resulted in lower attendance, as many fans had work or academic commitments.
- Lack of Promotional Activities: Compared to previous ICC tournaments, there was relatively less promotional buildup and marketing campaigns to create hype around the event.
PCB’s Response to Low Turnout
Officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) acknowledged the low attendance but assured fans that it would improve as the tournament progressed.
“The opening match turnout was lower than expected, but we are confident that attendance will increase, especially during crucial games,” a PCB spokesperson said.
While the opener may not have been the electrifying start that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had hoped for, they are expecting stronger attendance in later matches, especially for Pakistan’s key group stage games.
India vs Pakistan Match in Dubai, Not Pakistan
A major highlight of the Champions Trophy 2025 will be the India vs Pakistan clash on February 23, but unlike other teams, India will not be playing any matches in Pakistan. Due to political tensions, all of India’s matches in the tournament, including the high-voltage India vs Pakistan encounter, will be held in the UAE, with the much-anticipated clash scheduled to take place in Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The hybrid model was agreed upon after extensive discussions between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), ICC, and PCB, ensuring that the Indian team plays all its matches in a neutral venue rather than traveling to Pakistan.
What’s Next?
While the tournament opener may not have had the packed stands that fans expected, PCB is hopeful that upcoming matches—especially Pakistan’s knockout-stage games—will see much better attendance.
With Pakistan aiming to defend its Champions Trophy title, the team will be hoping for greater home support in their remaining group matches. Meanwhile, all eyes are now set on the marquee India vs Pakistan showdown in Dubai, which is expected to be a sell-out event with fans from both nations filling the stadium.
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