The much-anticipated T20 World Cup match between cricket rivals Pakistan and India has seen ticket prices skyrocket, with seats for the showdown reaching unprecedented costs. Tickets for the Diamond Club at New York Stadium are priced at a staggering $20,000, which translates to approximately 5.6 million Pakistani rupees. Even tickets for the general stands are fetching $2,750, or roughly 800,000 Pakistani rupees.
This dramatic surge in ticket prices has sparked controversy and criticism. Former Indian Premier League (IPL) chief Lalit Modi has openly criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) for what he sees as an exploitative pricing strategy. “It’s astonishing how high the ticket prices for the Pakistan-India match have become,” Modi expressed on social media. “It seems the ICC is more interested in making money than engaging fans.”
Modi’s comments highlight a growing concern among cricket enthusiasts about the commercialization of the sport. The exorbitant ticket prices have raised questions about the accessibility of the event for average fans, potentially excluding a large portion of the passionate cricket community who might not afford such high costs.
Scheduled for June 9th, the match between Pakistan and India is expected to be one of the most thrilling encounters of the tournament, given the intense rivalry and high stakes. Historically, matches between these two teams attract massive viewership and fervent support from fans across the globe.
The ICC has yet to respond to the criticisms regarding the ticket prices. Meanwhile, the anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a historic cricket event, even as the debate over its affordability and accessibility rages on.