The India-Pakistan clash has always been billed as cricket’s biggest rivalry. Yet, this year’s Asia Cup Group A fixture in Dubai is telling a very different story. Despite the hype, the stands are far from sold out, and organisers have been forced to slash prices in a bid to attract fans.
Lukewarm Response to a Blockbuster Fixture
What was expected to be a sell-out within hours has instead seen a sluggish ticket response. According to reports, almost half the tickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium are still unsold.
The Asian Cricket Council has cut down standard ticket prices from 475 dirhams (₹11,420 approx.) to 350 dirhams (₹8,415 approx.), hoping that the price drop will bring in more spectators.
Organisers Deny Slow Sales
The Emirates Cricket Board, however, insists that ticket sales are moving well. An ECB official told The Times of India, “The signs are very encouraging. There is no truth to the claim that tickets are not getting sold.”
A Stark Contrast to Champions Trophy
Interestingly, this is the second time in 2025 that Dubai is hosting an India-Pakistan game. The last encounter, during the Champions Trophy, was a completely different story — tickets were snapped up in just four minutes, and the stadium was packed.
This time, though, things are different. Reports suggest that nearly 50% of seats are still available. The prices range from USD 99 for standard entry to as high as USD 4,534 (nearly ₹4 lakh) for premium hospitality seats.
Why Are Fans Holding Back?
It has been over 10 days since tickets went on sale, yet the demand hasn’t picked up. While the steep prices are a major reason, political and social factors are also playing a role.
The match comes just months after the Pahalgam terror attack, which led to a strong military response from India targeting Pakistan and PoK. In this backdrop, calls for boycotts have grown louder.
Adding to the controversy, several voices — including former India spinner Harbhajan Singh — have suggested that India should avoid playing Pakistan until diplomatic ties improve.
The Big Picture
The India-Pakistan rivalry has always been about more than just cricket. While fans worldwide wait to see what happens on the field this Sunday, off the field, the empty seats in Dubai are already making headlines.
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