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Express Tribune
01-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Hosts' exit deflates CT buzz in Pakistan
Champions Trophy fever in Pakistan has plummeted after the hosts crashed out of the first major cricket event in the country in three decades without winning a game. "It feels like attending a wedding where you don't know the bride or groom," said Kashan Khan, a medical student who watched Pakistan get beaten by New Zealand by 60 runs in the opening match in Karachi last week. The defending champions then lost to great rivals India by six wickets to seal their fate, before their dead-rubber last group game against Bangladesh on Thursday was washed out. "Pakistan's poor performance has drained my enthusiasm. I don't care about watching other teams now," added Khan. Pakistan's failure to advance beyond the group phase or even win a game was a huge letdown in a country that has been gradually returning to hosting international teams after years of militancy saw it marked as a no-go zone. Security in cities has vastly improved in recent years, including in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, where the matches are being held. But disheartened fans have begun abandoning the tournament. Outside Rawalpindi Stadium ticket-holders were seen trying to sell their unwanted seats ahead of Pakistan's match against Bangladesh, but there were no takers. "I had three tickets but no one wanted to buy them," said Farooq Ali. "I even tried giving them away for free, but my friends weren't interested." For many, the final on March 9 holds little appeal, particularly given its location is still undecided. Arch-rivals India, with which Pakistan has fought several wars, refused to visit its neighbour and are playing all their matches in Dubai. In painful contrast to Pakistan's woes, India are into the semi-finals and if they reach the title decider, the final will be moved from Lahore to Dubai. "If Pakistan isn't playing in it, why should we care?" asked Amna Mashadi, who watched the tournament on television. Pakistan's latest flop dealt a severe blow not just to supporters, but also to the financial ecosystem surrounding the eight-nation event. With Pakistan out, TV viewership has nose-dived, advertising revenues have shrunk and sponsors are demanding reductions in their campaign costs. Pakistan's stated-owned PTV and Ten Sports bought the joint broadcast shares of the 15 matches, each paying 1.2 billion rupees ($4.25 million). Sources with knowledge of the broadcast deal told AFP that the two broadcasters have already lost close to 180 million rupees in two rained off matches in Rawalpindi. Broadcasters are bracing for losses as they search for takers for the usually prime advertising spots in the semi-finals and final. "But when the national team exits early, consumers go away and the sale of the product suffers." Shopkeeper Mohammad Rizwan -- he coincidentally has the same name as the Pakistan captain -- had anticipated selling 60,000 cricket shirts of the home team. Instead he only sold about a third of that. "The demand for Pakistan shirts was overwhelming and in the week leading up to the event, I doubled my order," Rizwan told AFP. "But as soon as the team started losing, the demand plummeted. Now, I have huge unsold stock in my warehouse. "It's a massive loss." Renowned television and film actor Adnan Siddiqui fears that Pakistan's underwhelming performance might push young fans away from the sport altogether. "I grew up watching cricket late at night or early in the morning," Siddiqui told AFP. "But after these defeats, my son has lost interest completely. The real loss here is of the next generation of players and fans." AFP
Arab News
28-02-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
‘Don't care': Hosts' exit deflates Champions Trophy buzz in Pakistan
KARACHI: Champions Trophy fever in Pakistan has plummeted after the hosts crashed out of the first major cricket event in the country in three decades without winning a game. 'It feels like attending a wedding where you don't know the bride or groom,' said Kashan Khan, a medical student who watched Pakistan get beaten by New Zealand by 60 runs in the opening match in Karachi last week. The defending champions then lost to great rivals India by six wickets to seal their fate, before their dead-rubber last group game against Bangladesh on Thursday was washed out. 'Pakistan's poor performance has drained my enthusiasm. I don't care about watching other teams now,' added Khan. Pakistan's failure to advance beyond the group phase or even win a game was a huge letdown in a country that has been gradually returning to hosting international teams after years of militancy saw it marked as a no-go zone. Security in cities has vastly improved in recent years, including in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, where the matches are being held. But disheartened fans have begun abandoning the tournament. Outside Rawalpindi Stadium ticket-holders were seen trying to sell their unwanted seats ahead of Pakistan's match against Bangladesh, but there were no takers. 'I had three tickets but no one wanted to buy them,' said Farooq Ali. 'I even tried giving them away for free, but my friends weren't interested.' For many, the final on March 9 holds little appeal, particularly given its location is still undecided. Arch-rivals India, with which Pakistan has fought several wars, refused to visit its neighbor and are playing all their matches in Dubai. In painful contrast to Pakistan's woes, India are into the semifinals and if they reach the title decider, the final will be moved from Lahore to Dubai. 'If Pakistan isn't playing in it, why should we care?' asked Amna Mashadi, who watched the tournament on television. Pakistan's latest flop dealt a severe blow not just to supporters, but also to the financial ecosystem surrounding the eight-nation event. With Pakistan out, TV viewership has nose-dived, advertising revenues have shrunk and sponsors are demanding reductions in their campaign costs. Pakistan's stated-owned PTV and Ten Sports bought the joint broadcast shares of the 15 matches, each paying 1.2 billion rupees ($4.25 million). Sources with knowledge of the broadcast deal told AFP that the two broadcasters have already lost close to 180 million rupees in two rained off matches in Rawalpindi. Broadcasters are bracing for losses as they search for takers for the usually prime advertising spots in the semifinals and final. 'Sports advertising is always a gamble,' said a senior employee at a Pakistani company, one of the tournament's top advertisers. 'Sponsorship deals cover the whole tournament, so pulling out isn't an option. 'But when the national team exits early, consumers go away and the sale of the product suffers.' Shopkeeper Mohammad Rizwan — he coincidentally has the same name as the Pakistan captain — had anticipated selling 60,000 cricket shirts of the home team. Instead he only sold about a third of that. 'The demand for Pakistan shirts was overwhelming and in the week leading up to the event, I doubled my order,' Rizwan told AFP. 'But as soon as the team started losing, the demand plummeted. Now, I have huge unsold stock in my warehouse. 'It's a massive loss.' Renowned television and film actor Adnan Siddiqui fears that Pakistan's underwhelming performance might push young fans away from the sport altogether. 'I grew up watching cricket late at night or early in the morning,' Siddiqui told AFP. 'But after these defeats, my son has lost interest completely. The real loss here is of the next generation of players and fans.' Siddiqui flew to watch the India-Pakistan match in Dubai on Sunday and returned heartbroken. 'We used to beat India frequently but now they are well ahead of us in terms of skill and bravery. Our team looked scared.' Despite the gloom some remain hopeful. 'This is a low point but the sun will rise again,' said Khalil Khan, a club-level cricket coach in Karachi. 'Cricket is the only sport that puts Pakistan on the global map and I'm sure our team will bring joy again in the future.'
Express Tribune
21-02-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Afg vs SA ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Predicted lineup and match details
Afghanistan will take on South Africa in the Group B opener of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. The Afghans, buoyed by their recent 2-1 series win over the Proteas, will aim to continue their fine ODI form, while South Africa, now at full strength, looks to bounce back from their Tri-Series struggles. Match Details Date: Friday, February 21, 2025 Time: 2:00 PM PST / 1:30 PM (toss) Venue: National Bank Stadium, Karachi Live Broadcast: Ten Sports, PTV Sports, Tapmad Predicted Playing XIs Afghanistan will be strengthened by the return of Ibrahim Zadran, who is set to reunite with Rahmanullah Gurbaz at the top. The duo has been a key asset, averaging 48.84 as an opening pair. Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi will anchor the middle order, while Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad will lead the spin attack. Afghan players will be boosted by their experience of playing in Pakistan previously. Afghanistan's probable XI: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik South Africa welcomes back key players after their SA20 league commitments. Temba Bavuma leads a formidable squad featuring Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, and Kagiso Rabada. Ryan Rickelton is expected to edge out Tony de Zorzi for a spot in the XI. South Africa's probable XI: Temba Bavuma (c), Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi Head-to-Head South Africa and Afghanistan have faced each other five times in One Day Internationals (ODIs), with South Africa holding a slight edge in their head-to-head record. The Proteas have secured three victories, while Afghanistan has won twice. As both teams prepare to clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Afghanistan will look to level the record, while South Africa aims to extend their dominance. Pitch Report & Match Outlook Karachi's National Bank Stadium offers a balanced surface, with early assistance for pacers and increasing aid for spinners as the match progresses. Chasing has been favourable in ODIs at this venue. Afghanistan enters with confidence after their recent series win over South Africa, but with the Proteas now at full strength, they will start as favourites. A competitive contest awaits in this crucial Group B fixture.
Express Tribune
18-02-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pak vs NZ ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Predicted lineup and match details
Karachi is set to host the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener tomorrow, where defending champions Pakistan will take on a determined New Zealand side. With both teams aiming to make a strong start, squad selections and playing conditions will play a crucial role in shaping the contest. Pakistan vs New Zealand: Match details Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025 Time: 2:00 PM PST (Toss at 1:30 PM IST) Venue: National Stadium, Karachi Live Broadcast: Ten Sports, PTV Sports Predicted playing XIs Pakistan's lineup looks well-balanced, with an in-form Babar Azam leading a formidable batting unit. Rizwan's leadership and consistency behind the stumps will be crucial, while Fakhar Zaman's aggressive start could set the tone. In the bowling department, the pace duo of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah will look to exploit early movement. Rizwan also confirmed in a press conference on today that Haris Rauf is fit. He could possibly feature for Pakistan in their opening match as well. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed is also expected to play a vital role on home soil. Pakistan's probable XI: Fakhar Zaman Babar Azam Saud Shakeel Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk) Salman Ali Agha Tayyab Tahir Khushdil Shah Shaheen Shah Afridi Naseem Shah Abrar Ahmed Haris Rauf New Zealand, despite Lockie Ferguson's unfortunate injury ruling him out of the tournament, still presents a strong squad. Kane Williamson's presence in the middle order is a major boost, while Devon Conway and Will Young will be key at the top. The bowling attack, led by Santner, will rely on Matt Henry's pace and Jamieson's bounce to challenge Pakistan's batters. New Zealand's probable XI: Will Young Devon Conway Kane Williamson Rachin Ravindra Daryl Mitchell Tom Latham (wk) Glenn Phillips Mitchell Santner (c) Nathan Smith Matt Henry Kyle Jamieson National Stadium pitch report The pitch at Karachi's National Stadium has historically been batting-friendly, but early movement for pacers cannot be ruled out. As the game progresses, the surface should favour batters, while spinners could find some grip later on Head-to-Head & recent form Pakistan and New Zealand have faced each other multiple times in ICC tournaments, with Pakistan holding a slight edge in their head-to-head record. Both teams recently competed in a tri-series alongside South Africa, with New Zealand finishing on a high and Pakistan showing flashes of brilliance. Match outlook With Pakistan banking on home advantage and New Zealand eager to prove their mettle, the opening encounter promises to be a thrilling clash. Both teams have strong top orders, match-winning all-rounders, and varied bowling attacks, making the battle for an early edge in the tournament even more intense.
