Asia Cup | Twitter trolls Pakistan for shameful crowd turnout despite hosting Asia Cup after 15 years

08/30/2023

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The subcontinent is often labelled cricket-crazy due to the sheer following the sport has in the region, especially across Pakistan and India where it is no less than a religion. However, the reputation took an embarrassing hit after a handful of fans turned up in Multan for the Asia Cup opener.

The 16th edition of the Asia Cup kicked off at the Multan Cricket Stadium with a Group A clash between two-time champions Pakistan and tournament debutants Nepal. The prestigious event marked its return to Pakistan soil after 15 long years with the country having last hosted the competition in 2008 where Sri Lanka had emerged victorious. Thus, a lot of fanfare and hype was expected to surround the comeback of the only continental tournament in cricket but the reality turned out to be completely different as empty stands dominated the fixture on Wednesday.

International cricket had seized to take place in Pakistan owing to security issues since 2009 but countries resumed regular international tours to the nation from 2019 onwards much to the joy of the Asian contingent. However, attendance emerged as an issue for the Pakistan Cricket Board as many games suffered from low turnouts and the problem emerged once again in the latest match despite the big stakes involved. In the sweltering heat, only a few groups of Pakistan fans were spotted with little sounds of cheering.

Twitterati was quick to spot the humiliating scenario and took to social media to spite the lack of commitment shown by Pakistan fans.

Unbelievable

A complete empty Stadium in Multan.
— Byomkesh (@byomkesbakshy)

What a shame

Empty stadium in Pakistan for Asia Cup opener😂😂
— BALA (@rightarmleftist)

Definetly not

An empty stadium in Multan. It's definitely not a positive sign for Pakistan cricket.
— Vipin Tiwari (@vipintiwari952)

Completely empty

Multinational Tournament in Pakistan after so many years

And completely empty stadium
— Ash (@Ashsay_)

The ultimate crowd puller

One minute of silence for those who claim Zim Babar is a crowd puller.

Empty Stadium🤣🤣
— 𝙕𝙄𝙈𝘽𝙐 😎 𝕏 (@zimbu12)

The difference

Empty stadium in Pakistan for international game vs jammed pack stadium in IPL for net session. 👀
— Waѕiyullah Budye (@WasiyullahB)

What a support

A Complete Empty Stadium In Multan.
— Deepak Jangid (@itsDeepakJangid)

Support only on socials

Pakistan fans exaggerating their craze for cricket, I think that's true only on social media.

A country which was been deprived of hosting Global events, really disappointing to witness empty stands at Multan Cricket Stadium.
— paRaY_YasiR ✍️ (@ParayYasir2)

No fans