Tickets for the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash of Champions Trophy sold out in just over an hour after sales opened at 4:00 PM on Monday.
Within the first four minutes of ticket availability, the online queue witnessed a staggering waiting time. Over 140,000 eager fans were vying for seats at the marquee Champions Trophy encounter.
India-Pakistan matches have always captured global attention. Their fierce rivalry dates back to the early 1980s in Sharjah during the Cricketers Benefit Fund Series (CBFS). These high-stakes contests have become iconic events in cricket history.
At Dubai’s renowned ‘Ring of Fire’ stadium, India has a strong track record. They won both of their previous One-Day International (ODI) encounters during the 2018 Asia Cup. However, in T20 Internationals at the same venue, Pakistan holds a slight advantage with a 2-1 head-to-head record.
Meanwhile, tickets for India’s matches against Bangladesh (February 20) and New Zealand (March 2) remained available two hours after sales began. However, the first semi-final, scheduled for March 4 in Dubai, was also sold out.
Fans Rush for Blockbuster Match
Fans from across the globe are eagerly anticipating the India-Pakistan showdown on February 23 in Dubai. India will play all three of their group-stage matches in Dubai. Other fixtures will take place in Pakistan’s cricket hubs—Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi—under a hybrid tournament model.
Dubai will host the first semi-final. Lahore is set to host the second semi-final on March 5. Tickets for the final, scheduled for March 9 in either Dubai or Lahore, will go on sale after the conclusion of the first semi-final.
Hybrid Model for Champions Trophy
Pakistan is hosting the Champions Trophy under a hybrid format. This decision came after the Indian government declined to grant permission for its national team to travel to Pakistan. India’s Group A fixtures include matches against Bangladesh (February 20), Pakistan (February 23), and New Zealand (March 2).
The 15-day competition promises thrilling cricket action. It features the world’s top eight teams battling across 15 intense matches over 19 days. Every game will be pivotal in the race for the coveted white jackets.
Ticket Availability in Pakistan
Online ticket sales for matches hosted in Pakistan began last Tuesday. Physical tickets became available on Monday at 108 TCS centers across 26 cities in the country. This ensures fans have multiple options to secure their seats for the cricket extravaganza.
