India crushes Bangladesh in Champions Trophy 2025 opener with Gill’s 100, Shami’s 5/53, but low Dubai crowd sparks debate on 50-over cricket’s future.
Dubai, UAE
In a commanding start to their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, India secured a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Stellar performances from Shubman Gill, Mohammed Shami, and the spin duo of Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja underscored India’s dominance in the opener. However, the match’s sparse crowd has cast a shadow over the tournament, fueling debates about the future of 50-over cricket as low attendance plagues venues in both Dubai and Pakistan.
India’s Clinical Performance Shines Bright
India’s clash with Bangladesh was a showcase of skill and strategy. After winning the toss, Bangladesh elected to bat but crumbled early, slumping to 35/5 within the first 10 overs. Mohammed Shami, making a roaring return to ICC tournaments, dismantled their top order with a sensational 5/53, surpassing Zaheer Khan as India’s highest wicket-taker in 50-over ICC events with 60 scalps. His fiery spell, complemented by Harshit Rana’s 3 wickets and Axar Patel’s brace, restricted Bangladesh to 228 in 49.4 overs. Towhid Hridoy’s valiant century (100) offered some resistance, but it wasn’t enough against India’s relentless attack.
Chasing 229, India’s batting firepower took center stage. Captain Rohit Sharma set the tone with a brisk 41 off 36 balls, crossing 11,000 ODI runs in the process, before Shubman Gill anchored the innings with an unbeaten 101 off 129 balls—his maiden Champions Trophy ton. KL Rahul’s steady 47 provided crucial support, ensuring India cruised to victory in 46.3 overs with six wickets in hand. The win placed India second in Group A, behind New Zealand, with a net run rate of 0.408.
Empty Stands Spark Controversy
Despite India’s emphatic performance, the sight of near-empty stands at the 25,000-capacity Dubai International Cricket Stadium has raised eyebrows. The low turnout mirrors similar scenes from the tournament opener between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi, where the National Stadium also failed to draw a significant crowd. Social media erupted with reactions, with former IPL chairman Lalit Modi tweeting, “Stands are empty. That would not happen at an #IPL game. Is the one-day format becoming irrelevant to fans?” Former England captain Michael Vaughan also quipped, “Have they forgotten to tell the locals it’s on?”
The Champions Trophy 2025, hosted primarily by Pakistan with India’s matches in Dubai due to political tensions, was anticipated as a revival of the 50-over format after an eight-year hiatus. Yet, the lackluster attendance has reignited debates about its appeal in an era dominated by T20 leagues like the IPL and Big Bash. Cricket pundits suggest multiple factors—daytime scheduling in business hubs like Dubai, high ticket prices starting at AED 125 (approx. ₹2,900), and a perceived fatigue with ODIs—may be contributing to the issue.
The Future of 50-Over Cricket Under Scrutiny
The International Cricket Council (ICC) envisioned the Champions Trophy as a “mini World Cup” to bolster the 50-over game, pitting the top eight teams in a compact, high-stakes format. India’s victory showcased the format’s potential for drama and skill, yet the empty seats tell a different story. Experts argue that ODIs must evolve to retain relevance, with suggestions ranging from night matches to hybrid formats blending T20 excitement with 50-over depth.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, while celebrating the return of a major ICC event to Pakistan after 29 years, acknowledged the challenge. “We’ve invested heavily in upgrading venues like Karachi and Lahore. We need to ensure fans feel the excitement,” he said. In Dubai, where India will face Pakistan on February 23 and New Zealand on March 2, organizers are reportedly considering promotional campaigns to boost attendance.
India’s Road Ahead
India’s next test comes against arch-rivals Pakistan in a highly anticipated Group A clash on Sunday. The match, already a focal point due to the storied rivalry, could be a litmus test for attendance figures. A win would strengthen India’s semifinal prospects, with the first semi set for March 4 in Dubai and the final on March 9—potentially shifting to Dubai from Lahore if India qualifies.
For now, India’s players remain focused on the task at hand. “Every game in this tournament is crucial,” Rohit Sharma said post-match. “We’re happy with the start, but there’s a long way to go.” Shami echoed the sentiment, relishing his milestone: “It’s special to contribute when the team needs it.”
A Call for Reflection
India’s victory over Bangladesh has set a high bar for their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, but the tournament’s broader narrative hinges on fan engagement. As cricket grapples with its identity in a fast-evolving sports landscape, the ICC and host nations face a pressing question: can 50-over cricket reclaim its glory, or is it destined to fade into the shadows of T20’s glitz? The coming weeks may hold the answer.