'Is Pakistan Worth Hosting Big Events' -  Fans Slam PCB After Low Turn-Out At Karachi Stadium

PAKvsNZ- (Source:@X.com)

On Wednesday, February 19, the ninth edition of Champions Trophy 2025 kickstarted in Pakistan, when the hosts locked horns against New Zealand in the first match of the tournament at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

It was an emotional moment for the PCB and Pakistan cricket as the ICC event returned to their nation after 29 years. Ahead of the prestigious event, the PCB had renovated the three venues- Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. However, to everyone's surprise, the fans turned up in low numbers to watch the two teams lock horns in the opening match of the Champions Trophy.

Fans React To Low Turn -Out At Karachi Stadium

Former England captain Michael Vaughan too took a dig at the PCB and Pakistani fans and slammed the low turn-out on his social media account. "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 ??"

"More than half of the stadium is empty in Karachi that too when home team is playing. Is it even worth giving such big tournament to Pakistan? " - @CTRLmemes

"Half empty stadium that too on public holiday,shame on karachi,Pakistan is hosting an icc event nearly after 30 decades and just look at their response on tournament openers", @IamLazzyBoi

"Karachi people will never come to stadium timely even though all tickets are sold out,"- @NotDGSE

"Where is the Karachi crowd?You're getting to host an ICC event almost after three decades and didn't even bother getting your lazy bum to the ground. Such a disappointment. No excuses can justify this no-show from the people of Karachi. Utter laziness," - @AnngryPakiistan

---

ALSO READ

Is Will Young Playing IPL 2025?

---

"Karachi walon Kahan ho saare stadium pohoncho,"  @Sharainhayat786

"More than half of the stadium is empty in Karachi that too when home team is playing," @Kaju_boy8890

"1st match at champions trophy 2025 !!!! The entire stadium is empty !!! Such a shame for the tournament. Icc should ban Pakistan. Karchi people are useless not supporting cricket at their own country," - @ADITYAJOSHI4

Karachi Pitch Surprises Fans In Champions Trophy 2025 Opening Match

In the ongoing match, the cricket pundits had predicted it to be a run-fest but the surface has been double-paced. It has seen uneven bounce and turn that has forced New Zealand to not score runs at a desired pace.

Talking about the ongoing match, New Zealand are 165/3 after 34 overs and Will Young has smashed a century

---

ALSO READ

[Watch] Rizwan Gets Emotional As Pakistan End ICC Event Drought After 29 Years

---