Champions Trophy: Pakistan's early exit dampens fan enthusiasm, claims report
What's the story
The recent early exit of the Pakistan cricket team from the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy has greatly affected fan interest in the tournament. Despite being hosts, they failed to pull big crowds, owing to their team's dismal performance and bad weather. Meanwhile, the situation is only expected to get worse with Ramadan's arrival, making it all the more difficult to draw fans for the semi-final matches in Lahore. Here's more.
Attendance issues
Lackluster attendance at recent matches
The disinterest of Pakistani cricket fans was apparent during the England-South Africa match, with only a few thousand present at the National Stadium. "It has been a hard and tense last two weeks for us so we are hugely relieved now," SSP Imran Jamil, who was on duty at the stadium, stated as per PTI. He said around 7,000 security personnel were deployed for Champions Trophy matches in Karachi since February 19.
Fan sentiment
Sisters' disappointment mirrors fan sentiment
Sisters Fariha and Faiza, who attended the England-South Africa match with friends, shared their disappointment. They said the Champions Trophy lost its appeal without Pakistan's participation. "We came today because we had already purchased tickets for the match," one of the sisters further added. PCB has announced full refunds for spectators who bought tickets for matches canceled due to rain in Rawalpindi, but those who paid extra money for hospitality and gallery views won't get refunds.
Expert opinion
Local cricket expert criticizes home team's performance
Cricket journalist Mahmood Riaz slammed the Champions Trophy's dull atmosphere, courtesy of the home team. "We were hosting a big ICC event after so many years and people were excited but the team really let everyone down," he said. "Watching Pakistan lose twice to New Zealand in the tri-series final and on 19th March was a huge disappointment for us," Tauseef Siddiqui shared his sentiments regarding the team's poor outing.
Ramadan impact
Ramadan's arrival poses additional challenges
The start of Ramadan on Sunday is likely to make it even more difficult to draw crowds for semi-final matches in Lahore. A PCB official explained that during the first two weeks of Ramadan, people typically stay home and attend Taraweeh prayers after Iftaar. They usually start going out later in the month, after 15-20 days.
Poor facility
Fans slam PCB over leaking roof in Gaddafi stadium
During the Champions Trophy match between Australia and Afghanistan at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, fans criticized the PCB over inadequate infrastructure. Despite an investment of PKR 8 billion in stadium renovations, issues like a leaking roof and poor drainage were evident. However, the match was abandoned after just 12.5 overs due to rain, highlighting the subpar drainage system. Meanwhile, a viral video showed an Afghanistan supporter pointing out waterlogged areas and leaking roofs, questioning the stadium's condition despite recent upgrades.
Twitter Post
X video showing the poor facilities at the Gaddafi Stadium
Ceiling leaking at Pakistan Stadium. Water is flowing everywhere 😂🔥
— Lakshay Mehta (@lakshaymehta31) March 2, 2025
1280 Crore spent for Gaddafi Stadium
Ye stadium ke baare me Pakistani bol rahe the ki record 4 mahine me Asia ka best stadium bana diya 🤡#ChmapionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/S2zZtL3so0