Dubai: With just days remaining until the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025, ticket sales remain unusually slow. Despite efforts to boost demand, organisers say the absence of Indian stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli is one key reason for the muted response.
Ticket sales lag behind expectations
The match, scheduled for September 14 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, usually sees tickets selling out well in advance. However, this time, several premium and upper-tier stands are still unsold even though the match is less than three days away. (The Tribune)
Organisers had introduced a single-ticket format to make buying easier and more accessible, but that has not significantly moved the needle.
Star player absence cited as a factor
An official from Emirates Cricket told ANI that the drop in urgency among buyers may be linked to the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from T20 internationals. Their absence, the official said, is affecting the emotional pull and star appeal of the match. (The Tribune)
In previous India-Pakistan encounters, the presence of such veteran players has often driven sales dramatically, with tickets selling out fast across all categories. (The Tribune)
Pricing and premium categories remain steep
Another factor cited is the high cost of premium tickets. Upper-tier and VIP sections are priced very steeply, in some cases exceeding Rs 2.5 lakh for two seats. Even mid-tier tickets carry premium pricing, making access more difficult for many fans.
Some fans have expressed disappointment that the more affordable categories are either sold out or priced beyond what many consider reasonable.
Fan response and commentary
Social media has seen a wave of commentary from disappointed fans who expected tickets to sell out quickly as in past India-Pakistan matches. Many have suggested organisers might consider releasing more affordable tickets closer to the match date.
Some users also point to the changing face of T20 cricket in India, where younger players are now leading sides, and traditional stars are stepping back, potentially affecting fan connect.
What organisers are doing
Organisers have reportedly kept ticket sales open, with no announcement yet of releasing additional general-category seats. They are watching how sales evolve with the match date approaching. (The Tribune)
They hope that recent on-field performances by Indian players, marketing efforts, and media coverage will help boost interest in the remaining days.
Conclusion
While slow ticket sales for an India vs Pakistan Asia Cup match are surprising, the combination of high pricing, absence of marquee players, and changing fan expectations appear to be contributing factors. As the fixture draws nearer, organisers will likely need to rely on promotions, competitive pricing of remaining seats, or special offers to fill stadium stands and recapture the excitement such matches traditionally bring.