The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 starts on February 19 in Karachi after a long, long time e. Pakistan was scheduled to host the tournament of this standing of the International Cricket Council. The debut game of the championship, held at the home venue between Pakistan and New Zealand, witnessed an unprecedented poor turnout of viewers at the National Stadium, much of which shocked a former English cricket captain turned renowned TV host and many sports watchers alike.

Empty stands in a big tournament? 🤔🏟️

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan is surprised by the lack of crowd in the Champions Trophy 2025 opener, despite hosts Pakistan playing. 🇵🇰🏏#MichaelVaughan #PAKvNZ #ODIs #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/PjRI74mkV8

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) February 19, 2025

Empty in a Big Tournament
Pakistan is famous for its ardent cricket followers, and with the Champions Trophy being hosted on home ground for the first time since 1996, there were high hopes of a full stadium. But as the defending champions took to the field, gaping areas of vacant seats in the stands raised doubts about the organization of the tournament and fan participation.
Taking to Twitter, Vaughan was surprised by the crowd, pointing out an unexpected scene as what ought to have been a grand show. Empty half of a stadium for a high-grossing ICC event, particularly when Pakistan is playing, has seen citizens online discuss potential explanations for the poor turnout.

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Can Improve the Attendance
With the tournament just getting underway, there is optimism that attendance will increase in the upcoming games, particularly when Pakistan plays India in a match that always guarantees high ratings and full houses. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the organizers of the event might also have to take action to ensure that attendance is increased and that the Champions Trophy provides the crackling atmosphere that cricket viewers expect.
For the time being, the presence of vacant seats in Karachi has raised an eyebrow, and Michael Vaughan's response only fuels the increasing debate surrounding the Champions Trophy 2025's attendance.