Pakistan's Champions Trophy ticket 380% cheaper than cheapest seat for India-England ODI
Tickets for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan are priced between Rs 310 and Rs 460 in Indian rupee terms.
Tickets for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan are priced between Rs 310 and Rs 460 in Indian rupee terms.
Tickets for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan are priced between Rs 310 and Rs 460 in Indian rupee terms.
The International Cricket Council has announced the start of ticket sales for next month's Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Due to diplomatic tension between neighbouring countries, India's matches will be played in the UAE.
Tickets for the group stage matches and the second semifinal to be played in Pakistan are set to go on sale on Tuesday. The tickets are priced between 1,000 and 1,500 Pakistani rupees, equivalent to 310 and 460 in Indian rupees. (One Pakistani Rupee is equal to 31 Indian paise).
In comparison, the ticket rates for India's ongoing ODI home series against England start at Rs 1,500, equivalent to 4,800 Pakistan rupees. So the cheapest India-England ODI ticket of Rs 1,500 is at least 383 per cent costlier than the cheapest Champions Trophy ticket of Rs 310.
Dubai ticket rates
The ICC has said that "ticket information for the India matches to be played in Dubai on February 20 and 23 and March 2 will follow shortly."
The UAE is currently hosting the ILT20, a franchise-based league. The ticket rates for the ILT20 are priced between $20 and $60 (Rs 1,700 - Rs 5,100). Assuming the Champions Trophy tickets in the Emirates are priced at par with the ILT20 matches, the difference with the rates in Pakistan would be at least 440 per cent.
The first semifinal of the event is scheduled to be held in Dubai, with the hope that India reach the knockouts. The ICC has reserved two venues for the final on March 9 - Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan and Dubai. Should India reach the final, Lahore will miss out, and Dubai will host the title match.
Announcing the ticket rates, Champions Trophy Tournament Director Sumair Ahmad Syed said: "The affordable ticket pricing ensures that fans from all walks of life can be part of this historic spectacle, making it a celebration for all generations of cricket lovers."
India play Bangladesh in their opener on February 20. The much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash in the league phase in on February 23. As India and Pakistan are in the same group, the two could potentially play the final. Indian cricket fans could have saved a great deal of their hard-earned money if the entire Champions Trophy was played in Pakistan.