Islamabad( Khyber Point)In a surprising turn of events, tickets for the highly anticipated Pakistan vs India match in the Asia Cup, scheduled for September 14, remain unsold despite going on sale days ago. Traditionally, seats for encounters between the two cricketing giants sell out within hours, but this year fans are holding back.
According to reports, the unusual ticket availability stems from the “package system” introduced by tournament organizers. Unlike previous editions, where fans could purchase tickets exclusively for the Pakistan-India clash, the new policy requires buyers to purchase bundled tickets covering multiple matches.
Labeled a “bundle package,” the system has sparked criticism among cricket enthusiasts. Fans argue that they are being forced to pay for games they may have little interest in, just to secure a spot for the marquee encounter. Organizers, however, defend the move, stating it is designed to boost sales for less popular fixtures and ensure fuller stadiums throughout the tournament.
Interestingly, the package does not include tickets for the Super Four stage or the final, further fueling speculation that fans are reluctant to commit large sums for group-stage matches alone.
The slow sales have prompted questions over whether concerns about boycotts, political tensions, or logistical hurdles may also be influencing demand. Still, cricket analysts believe the bundled ticketing system is the main factor discouraging buyers.
The Pakistan-India rivalry remains one of the most-watched sporting spectacles globally, with millions expected to tune in on television and online platforms. Yet, the sluggish ticket sales highlight the risks of experimenting with ticketing models for high-stakes matches. With less than a week to go, organizers may face pressure to revise or relax the system to avoid the embarrassment of empty seats in such a blockbuster fixture.
