ICC Champions Trophy 2025: "Where is the crowd?" - Michael Vaughan brutally roasts Pakistan over empty stands
Published - 19 Feb 2025, 04:34 PM | Updated - 19 Feb 2025, 11:34 PM
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Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan took a dig at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the empty stands during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener between hosts and New Zealand. The match is underway at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday (19th February).
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 returned after a long gap of 8 years, and in what is a major boost for the Pakistan Cricket Board, they are hosting the first major ICC event in a long. The last time an ICC event was played in Pakistan was in 1996 when they co-hosted the ICC World Cup.
Stands at the National Stadium in Karachi are almost empty for the first game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
However, the people in Pakistan aren't welcoming enough, as the stands at the National Stadium in Karachi are almost empty for the first game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Only one section of the ground looks filled, while the majority of it is yet to see fans.
This made even former England cricketer Michael Vaughan express his concern. He said that although it's great to see Pakistan hosting their first ICC event since 1996, it seems like the PCB forgot to tell fans about the match.
First major event since 1996 .. Have they forgotten to tell the locals it’s on .. Where is the crowd ? - Michael Vaughan
Taking on his Twitter account, he said:
"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 ??"
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 ?? #ChampionsTrophy2025
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 19, 2025
While crowds in the stadium are less than expected, the on-field battle between Pakistan and New Zealand has been magnificent. It has been a staggering start to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as both teams are fighting hard.
Will Young keeps New Zealand in the hunt with his solid half-century, Pakistan keep taking wickets at regular intervals
New Zealand were asked to bat first and they had a decent start. Devon Conway (10) and Will Young looked solid at the top as they added 39 runs for the opening partnership. But after that, Pakistan made a strong comeback with Abrar Ahmed picking left-hander and then Naseem Shah removing Kane Williamson.
Daryl Mitchell looked to stay longer but Naseem Shah gave a tough time to him at the crease. He ended up giving his wicket to Haris Rauf and the New Zealand National Cricket Team were left tottering at 73 for three inside 17 overs.
Will Young, on the other hand, has looked solid for New Zealand National Cricket Team. The opening batter has slammed a solid half-century and with the way he is batting, he looks set for a big ton. Tom Latham, who walked out at 5, would be keen to support him well and help the team post a big total on the board.
