Tickets for the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 sold out within minutes of going on sale, highlighting the immense demand for this cricketing rivalry.
The match, scheduled for February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, is part of a tournament that promises to captivate fans with its competitive spirit and historical significance.
Unprecedented Demand
On February 3, 2025, when ticket sales opened at 4:00 PM Gulf Standard Time (GST), over 150,000 fans queued online in hopes of securing their seats for the marquee clash.
The rush was so intense that many fans experienced waiting times exceeding an hour, only to find that tickets had already been sold out across nearly all categories.
This included premium sections priced at Dh2,000 (approximately Rs 47,434) and the exclusive Dh5,000 (around Rs 1.8 lakh) Grand Lounge tickets.
Sudhashree, a Dubai resident who attempted to purchase tickets, expressed her disbelief at how quickly they disappeared.
“I anticipated a long queue, but the speed at which tickets vanished was shocking,” she remarked, noting that by the time she secured her place in line, only higher-priced categories remained.
Economic Impact
The overwhelming demand for tickets not only showcases the popularity of the India-Pakistan rivalry but also indicates a significant economic impact on Dubai’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
Experts predict a surge in visitor numbers as fans from both nations flock to Dubai for the event, resulting in increased hotel bookings and rising airfares.
Tournament Overview
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 will feature eight teams competing in 15 matches over 19 days, with matches held in both Pakistan and the UAE.
Group A consists of India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B includes Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan. The tournament will kick off on February 19 with Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi.
India is set to begin its campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 before facing Pakistan on February 23 and New Zealand on March 2. The final is scheduled for March 9.
