Champions Trophy: Fans slowly fill up empty stands in Dubai for Ind-Pak game
23 Feb 2025 10:32 AM
Despite the match already being underway, spectators continued to trickle in to the Stadium, eager to catch the Champions Trophy clash
Fans wave national flags of Pakistan (R) and India during the ICC Champions Trophy one-day international (ODI) cricket match between Pakistan and India at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on February 23, 2025. (Photo by Jewel SAMAD / AFP)
The much anticipated high-octane Group A clash between arch rivals India and Pakistan commenced with partially occupied stands but loud cheers at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
However, despite the match already being underway, spectators continued to trickle in to the Stadium, eager to catch the Champions Trophy clash.
Earlier, India's match against Bangladesh in the tournament saw empty seats at the Dubai International Stadium, which has a capacity of around 25,000 people.
However, with the India-Pakistan clash being one of the most highly anticipated matches in the tournament, fans are expected to turn out in large numbers.
With the match commencing at 1 o'clock in the afternoon (local time), where (time of the day) the sun would be the hottest, fans might be preferring to come once whether settles a bit, experts opined.
Meanwhile, opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan started off well before losing the openers cheaply. Babar Azam, who looked in a good touch was dismissed with a slightly moving away good length delivery by Hardik Pandya.
The match is crucial for both teams, with India looking to seal a semifinal spot and Pakistan desperate to avoid early elimination.
Watch:
( Source : Deccan Chronicle with agency inputs )
Next Story