India’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign began with an emphatic six-wicket victory over Bangladesh; nonetheless, the team’s opener saw empty stands at the 25,000-capacity Dubai International Cricket Stadium. For a squad that is used to full venues and screaming support, the low attendance raised eyebrows and fuelled arguments about the future of ODI cricket.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and elected to bat first, but his decision backfired catastrophically. Both he and Soumya Sarkar were out for ducks in the first two overs, laying the groundwork for a poor batting performance. India’s spinners strengthened their grip early, dropping Bangladesh to a dismal 35/5. Mohammed Shami and Axar Patel were unstoppable, with Patel going agonizingly close to a hat-trick after Jaker Ali slipped one straight to Rohit Sharma, only for the Indian skipper to drop it.
Despite a terrific performance by captain Rohit Sharma, the lack of fans grabbed center stage. It’s unusual to see so few people at an Indian cricket match, prompting thoughts on the significance of the current tournament and the long-lasting popularity of the 50-over format.
Poor Audience Attendance at ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The pattern of poor attendance was also evident in the tournament’s first match between Pakistan and New Zealand, which garnered criticism from former England batsman Michael Vaughan for the apparent lack of fan participation.
Lalit Modi, former IPL chairman, too remarked on the subject on his official X account, challenging the format’s validity. “I’m watching the @ICC Champions Trophy cricket match between India and Bangladesh.” Stands are vacant. That would not happen during a #IPL game. Is the one-day format becoming irrelevant to fans? What’s your opinion? Should one-day cricket be replaced by more Test cricket?” Modi posted on X. “Almost an empty stadium in Dubai for India vs Bangladesh. People are not taking the Champions Trophy seriously.” Tweeted Sachin Tendulkar
Netizens expressed dissatisfaction with the Champions Trophy
Netizens reacted stating that the stadium was nearly half empty and the matches were dull. “This #ChampionsTrophy is DULL Af,” said one person.
“Dubai is almost empty. People love cricket in the evening, especially in commercial cities like Dubai, Karachi, and other business cities,” said another user.
Meanwhile, another commenter on X recommended that the ICC only hold events in specific countries. They wrote, “ICC events in the West Indies and Dubai don’t give out any vibrations because the grounds are empty. “Only South Africa, India, England, Australia, and New Zealand should host ICC events.”
“Empty stadium in Dubai, no one is interested in #ChampionsTrophy2025 seriously. Also ODI format is too boring ,they should end this tournament after this edition. Test is ultimate, T20 is amazing n fun but ODI cricket is just boring, at least they should reduce it to 40 overs.” Another user added.
India won by 6 Wickets
Nonetheless, India had a commanding performance, with Mohammed Shami returning to an ICC event in style, taking 5/53 to shred Bangladesh’s batting lineup for 228. Shubman Gill then took command with a superb century, securing India’s answer with precision. His well-paced century (101* off 129 balls) ensured no hiccups as India cruised to victory with six wickets in hand and 21 balls remaining.
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