Dubai, September 2025 — Organisers of Asia Cup 2025 have slashed ticket prices for the marquee India vs Pakistan match after unexpectedly slow sales. The match is set for September 14 at Dubai International Stadium, but demand for tickets has remained muted despite the anticipation.
What’s Changed
- Price reduction: Standard tickets originally priced at 475 dirhams have been reduced to 350 dirhams following complaints and low uptake, especially for the premium sections.
- Unsold premium seats: Several high-tier and upper-stand sections remain largely unsold even with the match less than a week away. Lower stands have seen more sales than upper or premium tiers.
Possible Reasons for Low Demand
- Absence of marquee players
The retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Twenty20 internationals appear to have dampened enthusiasm among some ticket buyers. They remain popular draws in India-Pakistan matches. - High pricing, especially in premium categories
Premium and VIP ticket packages have hefty price tags. Some are priced at over Rs 2.5 lakh (Indian currency equivalent) for two seats or more, which many fans find prohibitive. Even mid-tier tickets are steep compared to past matches. - Package-only ticketing structure
Unlike previous editions, the organisers bundled tickets in match-packages (seven matches), instead of selling individual tickets just for the India-Pakistan match. Fans who want only the marquee game are reluctant to buy full-package tickets for matches they may not attend. - Other deterrents
- Heat and late evening timing may discourage some spectators.
- Some calls for boycott or political sentiment seem to be influencing public mood in India, slightly affecting ticket demand.
Impacts and Organisers’ Response
- Organisers expressed surprise at the slower sales, given how quickly past India-Pakistan matches have sold out. For instance, during the Champions Trophy, tickets for a similar fixture sold out in under four minutes.
- To address low demand, they have made ticket prices more accessible and simplified purchase format.
