Pakistan’s long-awaited return as hosts of a major ICC tournament became a reality on Wednesday as they took the field against New Zealand in the opening match of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, the defending champions began their campaign on home soil, marking a historic moment for Pakistani cricket fans.
Pakistan last hosted an ICC event nearly three decades ago when they co-hosted the 1996 Cricket World Cup alongside India and Sri Lanka. Their most recent triumph in an ICC tournament came in 2017 when they lifted the Champions Trophy by defeating arch-rivals India in a memorable final at The Oval.
Now, in 2025, they are aiming to defend their title on home turf, making this edition of the Champions Trophy even more special for their supporters. The opening match took place at the National Stadium in Karachi, a venue steeped in history. However, what was expected to be a packed stadium fell short of expectations as sparse attendance caught the attention of many, including former England captain Michael Vaughan.
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He took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his surprise, writing, “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
Historically, New Zealand has dominated Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, winning all three of their previous encounters in 2000, 2006, and 2009. As the tournament unfolds, the competition remains fierce, with eight teams divided into two groups.
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Group A consists of Pakistan, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and India, while Group B features England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, with the grand final set for March 9. If India qualifies, the final will be played in Dubai; otherwise, Lahore will have the honour of hosting the title decider.
Half the stadium is empty lmao and they are the hosts
— + (@Xaanx_) February 19, 2025
#ChampionsTrophy#PakvsNz
🚨More than half of the stadium is empty in Karachi that too when home team is playing.🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/jzMGglguwH— काजू कसाटा / શનિ 🇮🇳 (@kaju_boy8890) February 19, 2025
WPL pulling more crowd than this empty stadium for inaugural match
It’s dumbest decision by @ICC to give Pakistan hosting opportunity #ChampionsTrophy #PakistanCricket #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/iLO2XQR8xg
— Santoshvk18 (@VK18foreverrr) February 19, 2025
