The India vs Pakistan Group match in the T20 Cricket World Cup, set for February 15, has been confirmed after negotiations involving the ICC, PCB, and BCB. This match will now take place in Colombo, much to the delight of cricket fans and ensuring the tournament avoids significant financial issues related to ticket and travel costs.
Ticket Prices Increase Dramatically
With the match now scheduled, there has been a noticeable surge in flight prices from Delhi and Mumbai to Colombo. The game is set for 7 PM at the R. Premadasa Stadium, leading to heightened demand as fans scramble to secure travel arrangements for this notable rivalry.
The fare for a flight from Delhi to Colombo, typically around Rs 30,000, has shot up to over Rs 90,000 following the match’s confirmation, with business class tickets reaching around Rs 1.92 lakh. Economy tickets on SriLankan Airlines from Delhi are now priced between Rs 65,000 and Rs 1.45 lakh. Similarly, flights from Mumbai can cost up to Rs 40,000.
Hotel Rates Soar
Following the match announcement, hotel rates in Colombo have also increased. Room rates at premium hotels (3-5 stars) now range from Rs 1.05 lakh to Rs 1.06 lakh for the nights of February 14 and 15, whereas they usually lie around Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000.
Reason for the Change in Plans
Initially, Pakistan had considered boycotting the India match to support Bangladesh, which withdrew from the tournament over security concerns. However, after discussions among the ICC, PCB, and BCB, Pakistan reversed its position. The Pakistani government stated that it reviewed appeals from other cricket associations and decided to move forward with the match.
Concerns about the potential boycott were significant, as the India-Pakistan fixture is considered one of the most lucrative events in International cricket. The match is anticipated to draw large crowds, despite the rising costs of tickets and travel.
