The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 made its long-awaited return to the cricket calendar after eight years. Not only that, but Pakistan also secured the hosting rights for the tournament¡ªits first major event since the 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore.
As Pakistan kicked off the tournament with the opening match against New Zealand, it seemed the crowd did not match the hype surrounding the mega event, according to former England captain Michael Vaughan.
The former England cricketer expressed his happiness that an ICC tournament was finally being played in Pakistan but also questioned the lack of spectators. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Vaughan wrote, "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??"
While the crowd at the National Stadium in Karachi gradually grew, many empty seats were still visible. Under Vaughan¡¯s post, several fans shared their thoughts on why the stadium was not packed.
One fan wrote, "The issue with the crowd is the ticket price. The locals are very poor and struggling to meet their daily needs. They cannot afford to buy tickets when they have to earn for their families."
Another said, "The crowd is coming for sure. Don't worry, mate. Karachi people are latecomers."?
One user humorously added, "Sabar kro, abhi Karachi waly so ke uthy hen" (Be patient, the people of Karachi are just waking up).
After 12 overs, New Zealand had scored 55 runs while losing two quick wickets. Will Young remained at the crease alongside Daryl Mitchell. Devon Conway (10 off 17) and Kane Williamson (1 off 2) were dismissed early, courtesy of Abrar Ahmed and Naseem Shah, respectively.
New Zealand (Playing XI): Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, William ORourke?
Pakistan (Playing XI): Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan(w/c), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed?