Champions Trophy 2025: No Takers For ODI Cricket or Dubai Heat? - Stands in India vs Bangladesh Clash Empty

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For the second day in the running, Champions Trophy 2025, which is contested in 50-over format, failed to attract crowds as several stands at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai during the India vs Bangladesh Group A clash sported a deserted look at the start of the contest.

On the tournament opening day, the host Pakistan faced criticism after some stands in the National Stadium in Karachi were empty during their clash against New Zealand. Now, India's match despite being claimed as sold out also sees a lot of empty seats, leading to questions if there is no real interest in ODI cricket.

With emergence of the shorter and faster formats like T20 and T10 in the mordern day, fans would prefer those matches, than patiently sit and watch a game which could go for nearly eight hours. But, there is a chance these stands could fill as the match progresses.

While crowd may pour in when India come out to bat, most stands in the Dubai venue were empty at the time of the toss and also the start of the match as fans on social media were left puzzle even with one of the biggest teams in action.

Coming back to the match, Bangladesh were in a spot of bother after the winning the toss and opting to bat first as Najmul Hossain Shanto's side were reeling at 37 for 5 and staring at the lowest total in Champions Trophy history.

India's pace spearhead Mohammed Shami claimed two, removing Soumya Sarkar for a duck in the first over, and number four Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 5 in the seventh over, while his new ball bowling partner Nitish Rana also struck in his very first over, removing Bangladesh skipper Shanto for a duck.

Axar Patel claimed the remaining two wickets and almost had an hattrick, but Rohit Sharma dropped a catch at slips. Axar removed Tanzid Hasan for 25 before striking the very next delivery to remove senior batter Mushfiqur Rahim for a golden duck.

Regarding the lack of crowd in the stands during Champions Trophy, former England captain Michael Vaughan also had taken to social media asking if Pakistan had informed the home fans that the tournament has started.

"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 ??" Vaughan posted on X.