The much-anticipated India-Pakistan cricket clash in the Asia Cup 2025 is just days away, yet in a stunning turn of events, tickets for the marquee encounter remain widely available. This marks a rare and surprising situation for a rivalry traditionally known for tickets selling out within minutes of going on sale.
Despite the high-voltage atmosphere and the political and sporting tensions that fuel this contest, a combination of factors appears to have dampened fan enthusiasm and led to sluggish ticket sales. According to reports from various media outlets, including the Times of India and News24, a significant portion of the stands at the Dubai International Stadium are still unsold.
Exorbitant Prices and Package Deals
A primary reason cited for the low attendance is the steep ticket prices and the “package system” implemented by the organizers. Unlike previous tournaments where fans could purchase a ticket for a single match, this year, spectators were initially required to buy a bundle covering seven matches. While this move was intended to promote other group-stage games, it seems to have backfired, with many fans unwilling to pay for a bundle of matches they may not want to attend.
Even the most affordable general admission tickets are priced at nearly ₹10,000 for two seats. The cost for premium seats is staggering, with VIP Suites and Royal Box tickets listed at over ₹2.5 lakh for a pair, a price point that has deterred even the most die-hard fans.
Absence of Star Players
Another key factor impacting ticket sales is the absence of iconic players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who retired from the T20 format last year. An Emirates Cricket official, as reported by News24, speculated that their non-participation has significantly reduced spectator interest. Former India cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra echoed this sentiment, stating that these players are immense crowd-pullers and their absence has a proportional effect on stadium attendance.
Geopolitical Tensions and Fan Sentiment
The strained geopolitical relationship between India and Pakistan has also been mentioned as a contributing factor. Following recent terror attacks, some sections of the Indian fanbase had even called for a boycott of the tournament. While the Indian government clarified that while bilateral series remain suspended, India would continue to participate in multi-nation events, the public sentiment and calls for a boycott may have contributed to a reduced appetite for the match.
The surprising lack of a sell-out crowd is a stark contrast to previous India-Pakistan encounters, where tickets were snapped up in record time. As the teams prepare to face off on September 14, the unsold seats serve as a stark reminder that even cricket’s most anticipated rivalry is not immune to the pressures of high costs, changing player rosters, and complex political realities.
