Tickets for the much-anticipated India-Pakistan showdown in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 are now being resold for nearly seven times their original cost.
Initially priced at Dh500, general admission tickets have appeared on Facebook Marketplace and other resale platforms for as high as Dh3,500.
Cricket fans rushed to purchase tickets when sales opened on Monday, spending hours in virtual queues.
However, the tickets sold out within an hour, leaving many disappointed. Those same tickets are now being resold at significantly marked-up prices.
Abdul Kareem, a Sharjah resident and avid cricket fan, was among those who unsuccessfully attempted to buy tickets through the official website.
“I kept refreshing the page for hours, hoping to secure a ticket. But by the time my turn arrived, everything was gone. Now, resellers are asking for Dh3,500 or more. It’s beyond frustrating,” he said.
Kareem even attempted to negotiate a slight increase in price but was met with resistance.
“When I offered to pay Dh200 more than the original cost, the reseller got upset and asked if I even understood the value of this match,” he added.
Similarly, Harish Das, another cricket enthusiast, expressed disappointment over the inflated resale prices.
“I had budgeted Dh500 for a ticket, but I can’t afford to pay more than Dh1,000. It feels like these matches are only accessible to those who can pay outrageous prices,” he said.
He also noted that ticket prices in Dubai are significantly higher compared to those in India.
“My last option is to watch the match on TV,” Das added.
India-Pakistan matches are among the most highly sought-after in cricket, and ticket demand has been overwhelming. Resellers claim they have been receiving a flood of inquiries.
“We’ve had over 50 calls just since yesterday asking for tickets. People are trying to negotiate, but even at three times the price, they’re still interested,” said one reseller.
He predicted that as the match date approaches, prices could rise even further.
Another reseller, who has tickets for all four UAE matches, is selling them as a package for Dh6,000. He mentioned that demand extends beyond just the India-Pakistan clash, with buyers also seeking tickets for games against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and the semifinals.
“Many fans want to attend multiple matches, not just India-Pakistan. Bulk ticket prices are actually lower compared to single-match resale rates, yet people are still bargaining,” he said.
With the match set to take place at Dubai International Stadium on February 23, skyrocketing resale prices have dampened the excitement for many fans who missed out on the official ticket sale.
Via: Khaleej Times