Asia Cup 2025: Organisers cut prices as India-Pakistan tickets struggle to sell
Historic cricket rivalry still expected to light up Dubai stadium on Sunday
DUBAI – The much-anticipated India-Pakistan showdown at the T20 Asia Cup 2025 has witnessed sluggish ticket sales, a surprising development just days before the clash on Sunday, September 14, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Traditionally among the quickest sell-outs in world cricket, this edition’s marquee fixture has left organisers scrambling to fill seats, with prices reduced and premium sections still unsold.
Officials from the Emirates Cricket Board admitted being taken aback by the lack of early demand. “The flow of sales for India vs Pakistan is very low. So far, only the lower stands are sold out, while the upper tiers are still available,” one official told ANI. Fans have pointed to a combination of high costs and bundled ticket packages as reasons behind the muted response.
Why the slow sales?
Unlike previous editions, where tickets vanished within minutes, this year fans have voiced frustration over inflated pricing and mandatory packages that include matches beyond the India-Pakistan fixture. Standard tickets, originally priced at Dh475, have been reduced to Dh350 following public complaints, while hospitality and VIP suites remain beyond the reach of most supporters, costing between Dh750 and Dh3,500.
The absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who both retired from T20 internationals after India’s World Cup victory in 2024, has also dented interest. Social media platforms are filled with criticism, with many fans urging a return to single-match ticketing.
India vs Pakistan
Despite slower sales, anticipation remains high on the cricketing front. India enters the contest full of confidence after dismantling the UAE in their opening game, bowling the hosts out for 57 runs before sealing a nine-wicket win in just 4.3 overs. Suryakumar Yadav’s side looks in strong form, buoyed by the return of Jasprit Bumrah and a fresh crop of T20 talent including Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy.
Pakistan, led by Salman Agha, will begin their Asia Cup campaign against Oman on Friday before taking on their arch-rivals. Their squad features rising names such as Hasan Nawaz and Sufiyan Muqeem, alongside the pace threat of Shaheen Shah Afridi. Historically, India have dominated the rivalry in T20Is, winning 10 of 13 matches, though two of Pakistan’s victories have come in Dubai.
Asia Cup 2025: Dubai clash
The Group A encounter will be staged at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, starting at 6:30pm local time (14:30 GMT). The match is expected to draw a global television audience of millions, even if stadium attendance does not match previous editions.
India and Pakistan could meet again in the Super Four stage on September 21, and potentially in the tournament final on September 28, depending on results. With both teams among the strongest in the format, multiple encounters remain a tantalising possibility.
The Asia Cup 2025, hosted officially by India but played in the UAE, features six teams divided into two groups. India, Pakistan and the UAE make up Group A, while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Oman form Group B. The top two from each group will advance to the Super Four stage, with the final scheduled for later this month in Dubai.
As the countdown to Sunday continues, organisers hope the buzz of cricket’s fiercest rivalry will yet draw crowds into the stands. On the field, at least, fireworks are guaranteed when India and Pakistan renew their storied contest in the desert.