‘More security staff…’: Pakistan vs England Test played in front of empty stands | Cricket News – Times of India

The ongoing Test match between Pakistan and England in Multan has raised concerns, not due to the players’ performances, but because of the noticeable lack of spectators in the stands.
Even with an outstanding batting display from Pakistan, highlighted by a brilliant century from Shan Masood, the stadium remained largely empty, prompting criticism from various commentators.
Former England captain Mike Atherton, during his commentary, voiced his disappointment over the low turnout, stating, “There are probably more security staff at the stadium than people in the crowd.”
He pointed out the stark difference between the players’ efforts on the field and the apparent lack of enthusiasm from fans.
The empty stands were particularly surprising given Pakistan’s strong position over the course of day-and-half.
Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood scored centuries and pushed the home side’s total close to 500 runs.
Saud Shakeel missed out on a hundred but Salman Agha smashed a brisk 79 not out to propel Pakistan to a commanding 515/8 at tea on Day 2 of the first Test.
However, these on-field successes did not translate into spectator support, raising alarms about the declining popularity of Test cricket in the country.
The poor attendance comes at a time when Test cricket in Pakistan is already facing difficulties. A recent series loss to Bangladesh, a team that has historically struggled in away matches, was a significant setback to Pakistan’s home dominance.
The lack of crowds highlights the diminishing interest in the longer format of the game. In contrast, India’s recent home Test matches against Bangladesh saw healthy crowds, even in cities like Chennai and Kanpur.
This disparity has reignited discussions about the future of Test cricket in Pakistan, with many questioning the format’s sustainability without stronger fan engagement. Despite the impressive batting efforts led by Masood, the empty stands in Multan signal a troubling trend for the sport.