Champions Trophy 2025: Embarassing! PCB, Karachi Face Flak For Small Turnout In PAK vs NZ Match

Champions Trophy 2025: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are facing the wrath on social media from the fans for a surprisingly small turnout in the opening game of the 2025 edition between host nation Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium, Karachi on Wednesday, February 19.

Pakistan after a gap of 29 long years are hosting an ICC major event on their hum turf and fans were amazed by the half-empty Karachi stadium that too in a home game.

The Karachi Stadium can easily accommodate 30,000 spectators and with the pictures circulating all around, it seems like that hardly 15,000 or even less people have made it to the stadium for such a big game.

The social media is buzzing with the visuals and cricket fans just couldn't stop talking about the shocking turnout. Here's a look at some of the reactions.

''More than half of the stadium is empty in Karachi that too when home team is playing'', an user write on X.

''Strange that the stadium in Karachi is not packed for a home game of an ICC event they're hosting after 29 years!'', another user made his feelings felt loud.

''Let's see how many turn out in Lahore & Pindi. The Karachi stadium experience is also not good. Why waste money when the facilities, ambience and view aren't up to scratch'', a fan wrote.

Earlier, Pakistan winning the toss, put the Kiwis onto bat and just two balls into the match, the Men in Green lost star player Fakhar Zaman due to a supposed knee injury.

New Zealand have already lost Devon Conway and Kane Williamson early in the 1st innings. Abrar Ahmed was the first to dismiss Conway for 10 before pacer Naseem Shah removed Williamson for just 1.

At the time of writing this article, New Zealand are now batting at 55/2 after 12 overs of play with Will Young and Daryl Mitchell at the crease.