Champions Trophy: Update on tickets for India-Pakistan match in Dubai

Dubai: The entire world’s attention is turning towards the UAE as Asian giants India and Pakistan will meet in the Champions Trophy in Dubai on February 23.

The one question that still remains on everyone’s lips, but has yet to be answered, is how to get tickets to see these stars compete in the most-awaited clash of the year.

Ticketing uncertainty for Dubai matches

Pakistan is hosting the Champions Trophy on a hybrid model after the Indian government refused permission for their national team to travel to Pakistan. India will play their Group A matches against Bangladesh (February 20), Pakistan, and New Zealand (March 2). While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to officially announce ticket prices, some reports have leaked the prices for matches in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. However, the tournament hosts have not finalised the prices for matches in Dubai.

Many websites offer tickets and suggest registering, but the decision is still pending, Gulf News has learnt from reliable sources.

Delay in announcement keeps fans on edge

The delay in announcements has kept many fans waiting eagerly to grab their seats and be part of the historic clash. India and Pakistan have faced each other only in International Cricket Council (ICC) events. In their last meeting, India cruised to a seven-wicket victory during the 2023 50-over World Cup in Ahmedabad.

The PCB had earlier earmarked the starting price for Champions Trophy tickets at 1,000 Pakistani rupees (Dh13.18), according to a PTI report released last week.

The document, however, does not include suggested ticket prices for matches in Dubai, chosen as a neutral venue to host India’s matches, and perhaps even a semi-final and final if Rohit Sharma’s men qualify for these knockout games.

The list reveals that the PCB has set the lowest priced ticket for the General Enclosure at 1,000 Pakistani rupees for all matches in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. However, for the Pakistan vs Bangladesh match in Rawalpindi, the general enclosure fee increases to 2,000 PKR (Dh26.35), and for the semi-final, it rises to 2,500 PKR.

A total of 18,000 tickets will be available for general spectators, but it remains unclear how many tickets one person can purchase at a time and whether tickets will be sold at ticket booths or only online.

According to ICC event rules, the host country typically sells tickets for matches and keeps gate revenue, as well as revenue from the sale of hospitality boxes. This is in addition to hosting fees paid by the ICC.

Dubai ticket sales managed by PCB

Since the ICC selected Dubai as a neutral venue to host India’s matches, an insider confirmed that the PCB believes it is entitled to keep gate money receipts and hospitality box sales for the games in Dubai, including the blockbuster match on February 23 against arch-rivals India.

“The Emirates Cricket Board will obviously advise the ICC and PCB on ticket rates for different enclosures in Dubai and what prices should be charged for hospitality box sales before announcements are made,” the insider said.