Pakistani actor and producer Adnan Siddiqui had high expectations for his experience at the National Stadium in Karachi, but his enthusiasm quickly turned into disappointment during Pakistan’s opening match against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While the stadium itself was buzzing with excitement, Siddiqui found himself frustrated with the so-called ‘VIP’ seating arrangements, which offered an obstructed view of the game.
In a video posted on social media, Siddiqui expressed his dismay, pointing out that railings blocked his view of the field. He humorously remarked that the distance between his seat and the pitch made him feel as though he was watching the match from Dubai rather than Karachi. His comments added to the growing criticism over the low spectator turnout and the overall management of the historic event.
Adnan said in the video, “Main aya hoon stadium pe. Ab mujhe ye bataiye, itna mehnga ticket le, aur aankh ke samne ye ho, aur aage woh shadow, to kya nazar ayega..ghanta! Aur dusri zabardast baat batau aapko, aisa lag raha hai ke main Dubai mein baith ke yeh match dekh raha hoon.”
Here is the video:
Meanwhile, on the field, New Zealand delivered a commanding performance, with Tom Latham and Will Young smashing centuries to secure a 60-run victory over the hosts. Their efforts overshadowed Pakistan’s long-awaited return to hosting an ICC tournament after nearly three decades.
The occasion was significant, with President Asif Ali Zardari among the thousands in attendance, witnessing Pakistan’s first ICC event on home soil since the 1996 World Cup. However, the excitement quickly turned to disappointment as the home team struggled in their chase. Pakistan, despite playing in front of a nearly packed 29,300-strong crowd, could only manage 260 runs in 47.2 overs while attempting to reach New Zealand’s imposing total of 320-5 in 50 overs.
While the match itself left Pakistani fans disheartened, Siddiqui’s criticism of the stadium’s VIP section highlighted another issue—poor spectator experience. His remarks have sparked further debate on the management and infrastructure of cricket venues in the country, raising concerns ahead of the remaining matches in the tournament.
