ISLAMABAD: Tickets for the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 sold out in less than an hour, as fans rushed to secure their seats for one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.
A staggering 150,000 enthusiastic fans flooded online, resulting in lengthy wait times and leaving many hopefuls disheartened. Scheduled to unfold at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23, this high-voltage match has already etched its name as the centrepiece of the tournament.
By 4:56 pm, every ticket category was gone for this fierce rivalry, including the coveted ‘Platinum category’ priced at Dh2,000 and the luxurious ‘Grand Lounge’ at Dh5,000.
Although Pakistan officially hosts the tournament, the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) opted against sending its team to the neighbouring country, citing government advisories. In December 2024, the International Cricket Council (ICC) designated Dubai as a neutral ground for India’s matches.
Dubai Set for Economic Surge as Fans Flock to City for Pakistan-India clash
Beyond the cricketing spectacle, the India-Pakistan game is poised to generate a substantial economic boost for Dubai. The influx of travelling fans from India, Pakistan, and beyond is expected to drive hotel bookings, airline ticket sales, and local tourism revenues.
“Dubai is set to witness a surge in occupancy rates, particularly in hotels near the stadium and downtown areas,” said an industry expert. “Flights from major Indian and Pakistani cities are already seeing higher-than-usual demand.”
The hospitality and tourism sectors are gearing up for a record-breaking week, with restaurants, bars, and local businesses preparing special packages for visiting cricket enthusiasts.
The Champions Trophy in Dubai is more than just a sporting event; it ripples through entire industries. Experts predict airfares could soar by as much as 50% as fans from India, Pakistan, and other cricket-loving nations finalize their travel plans.
The Dubai International Stadium is set to feature three matches: India vs. Bangladesh on February 20, India vs. Pakistan on February 23, and India vs. New Zealand on March 2.
Additionally, Dubai will host the first semifinal on March 4 and the final on March 9, should India qualify. If they do not, Lahore will take on the role of host for the second semifinal and the final.
For matches in Pakistan, online tickets went on sale on January 28, with general stand prices starting at 1,000 Pakistani rupees (approximately Dh13), while premium seating began at 1,500 Pakistani rupees.
Ticket Rush in Pakistan: Fans Brave Long Lines as Sales Kick Off
Meanwhile, on Monday, cricket fans formed long lines outside private courier service offices across Pakistan, eager to buy tickets for the ICC Champions Trophy set to take place in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19.
Aaqib Masood, an avid cricket enthusiast, shared with We News English his experience of enduring a rigorous wait to secure two tickets. “After hours of struggle, I finally managed to grab my ticket for Rawalpindi stadium,” he recounted, describing the chaotic scene of pushes and pulls in the queue.
According to regulations, individuals could purchase up to four tickets with one national identity card. Online ticket sales are set to begin on February 6, with home delivery starting on February 8. The in-person ticket sales will continue until 6 PM.
Many fans are particularly excited about the opening match on February 19 between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi.
Ticket prices vary, with general stand seats costing Rs2,000, first-class tickets at Rs4,000, premium stands for Rs7,000, and VIP tickets priced at Rs12,000. The International Cricket Council (ICC) also announced that tickets for matches hosted in Dubai are now available, including high-profile games such as Pakistan vs. India on February 23.
The tournament will feature 15 matches across three venues in Pakistan and Dubai, running until March 9, with a reserve day allocated for the final to address potential weather issues.
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The online tickets for the curtain-raiser between the home side and New Zealand as well as the group-stage matches between Australia and England and Pakistan and Bangladesh were sold out, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared on Wednesday, January 29.
General ticket details revealed for Champions Trophy 2025
Tickets for all group matches and both semi-finals of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan and Dubai are now available for purchase, allowing fans to secure their spots for this highly anticipated event.
Fans can buy tickets online for the matches to be held at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium with general stand prices starting from AED 125.
Ticket sales for the 10 matches scheduled in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, went on sale at the end of last month.
For those preferring physical tickets, they are now available across 108 TCS centres in 26 cities nationwide.
Tickets for the much-anticipated Final, set to take place on Sunday, 9 March, will be released following the conclusion of the first semi-final in Dubai.
