The Champions Trophy 2025 marks a significant event as Pakistan hosts a major ICC tournament for the first time in nearly 30 years. However, the opening game against New Zealand saw sparse attendance at Karachi’s National Stadium, raising concerns. Former England captain Michael Vaughan noted the lack of a crowd, questioning local awareness of the event. Delays in stadium renovations added pressure to make a good impression. The match saw Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan elect to field, but they faced injuries to key players. New Zealand’s Will Young scored the tournament’s first century, while Pakistan is set to face India and Bangladesh next.
The Champions Trophy 2025 marks a significant moment for Pakistan cricket as the country hosts a major ICC tournament for the first time in nearly 30 years. However, the initial impression may not be quite favorable, as evidenced during the opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand. The grandstands at the National Stadium in Karachi appeared to be largely vacant, with several sections not even reaching half capacity at the start of the game. Former England captain Michael Vaughan highlighted this observation as well.
“It’s fantastic to see the Champions Trophy being played in Pakistan. It’s the first major event since 1996. Have they forgotten to inform the locals? Where is the crowd?” Vaughan expressed on X.
It’s fantastic to see the champions trophy being played in Pakistan .. First major event since 1996 .. Have they forgotten to inform the locals .. Where is the crowd ?? #ChampionsTrophy2025
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 19, 2025
The pressure is on Pakistan to make a positive impression, especially following the delays faced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in completing the stadium renovations.
All three venues for the Champions Trophy – the National Stadium in Karachi, the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, and the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium – underwent complete renovations with less than two weeks to go before the tournament commenced.
The lack of fan turnout for the very first match featuring the host nation, which also happens to be the defending champions, creates an unfavorable narrative for them.
More than half of the stadium is vacant in Karachi at a time when the home team is playing.
Is it even worthwhile to award such a prestigious tournament to Pakistan? #PakvsNz pic.twitter.com/oEssQPoo0x
— Ctrl C Ctrl Memes (@Ctrlmemes_) February 19, 2025
Pakistan vs New Zealand: Champions Trophy 2025
This was the third ODI clash in 11 days between Pakistan and New Zealand, with Pakistan having lost twice to them in the recently concluded tri-nation series that also included South Africa.
Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the coin toss and chose to field, but the team faced a significant setback on just the second delivery of the match.
Star batsman Fakhar Zaman – who had scored a remarkable century in Pakistan’s victory over India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final – suffered an injury while attempting to prevent a boundary.
With Saim Ayub already injured, the potential loss of Fakhar Zaman would further exacerbate Pakistan’s problems with their opening lineup.
For New Zealand, opener Will Young was the standout performer. Young scored an impressive 107 runs off 113 balls, registering the first century of the Champions Trophy 2025.
His innings included 12 fours and one six, with solid support from Test captain and wicket-keeper batter Tom Latham.
Young was eventually dismissed through a spectacular catch by substitute fielder Faheem Ashraf.
Pakistan and New Zealand will also compete against India and Bangladesh in the group phase, with the matches against India scheduled to take place in Dubai.
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