Pakistani actor Adnan Siddiqui expressed disappointment during the Champions Trophy 2025 opener between Pakistan and New Zealand at Karachi’s National Stadium. Criticizing the low fan turnout, Siddiqui shared a video highlighting his obstructed view from the ‘VIP’ area, blocked by railings. He remarked that despite a costly ticket, he felt as if he was watching the match from Dubai due to the inadequate view. The match ended unfavorably for Pakistan, with New Zealand winning by 60 runs, scoring 320-5 while Pakistan managed only 260 runs in 47.2 overs, disappointing the large crowd in attendance.
The Pakistan cricket team took the field during the Champions Trophy 2025© AFP
Pakistani actor and producer Adnan Siddiqui expressed his dissatisfaction with his visit to the National Stadium in Karachi during the Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand on Wednesday. Amidst criticism regarding the low turnout of spectators for the match, Siddiqui shared a video on social media, highlighting the obstructed view from the ‘VIP’ section of the stadium. In the video, he pointed out that the view was hindered by railings and remarked that due to the distance from his seat to the pitch, he felt as if he was watching the game from Dubai.
“Main aya hoon stadium pe. Ab mujhe ye bataiye, itna mehnga ticket le, aur aankh ke samne ye ho, aur aage woh shadow, to kya nazar ayega..ghanta! Aur dusri zabardast baat batau aapko, aisa lag raha hai ke main Dubai mein baith ke yeh match dekh raha hoon [I have come to the stadium. Now tell me after buying such an expensive ticket, there is this in front of my eyes, and then the shadow, so what will I be able to see! Let me tell you one more thing, it feels like I am watching this match from Dubai],” he said.
New Zealand secured victory with outstanding centuries from Tom Latham and Will Young, defeating Pakistan by 60 runs in the Champions Trophy opener on Wednesday, marking a disappointing start for the host nation’s historic return to holding global events after three decades.
President Asif Ali Zardari was among thousands of fans present at the National Stadium in Karachi as Pakistan hosted its first International Cricket Council event since 1996.
However, the home team’s lackluster performance left a packed crowd of 29,300 fans disheartened, as Pakistan was bowled out for 260 runs in 47.2 overs, chasing New Zealand’s total of 320-5 in 50 overs.
(With AFP inputs)
Topics mentioned in this article