India vs Pakistan: Eager fans brave surge in travel costs for T20 World Cup | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup News
Mumbai, India — Indian cricket fans traveling to Sri Lanka this weekend are preparing for a highly anticipated T20 World Cup match against archrival Pakistan. However, many are facing significantly inflated airfares, skyrocketing hotel prices, and delays in securing match tickets.
The showdown takes place Sunday at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, elevating the stakes of a rivalry intensified by decades of political tension. Cricket matches between India and Pakistan are regarded not only as sporting events but also as contests of national pride.
In a notable turn of events, concerns over geopolitical tensions nearly overshadowed the match until Pakistan’s government reversed its initial decision to boycott the fixture just six days before the game. This late confirmation sent airfares soaring, with many fans scrambling to make travel arrangements.
Aditya Chheda, a finance professional from Mumbai, shared his experience of booking flights. “I paid a premium of approximately 50 percent compared to the usual rates,” he said, despite booking a month in advance and opting for a layover instead of a direct flight.
Prices for non-stop round-trip flights from Mumbai to Colombo, typically around $275, surged to over $1,000 shortly before the match. Similar fare increases were observed for flights from Bengaluru and Chennai, with round-trip fares from Chennai rising to at least $550, compared to the usual $165.
Parth Chauhan, a cybersecurity professional who planned his trip early, noted that his friends faced steep costs, paying three times the normal fare after booking closer to the match date.
Hotel prices also increased sharply, with five-star accommodations in Colombo now ranging from $400 to $1,000 per night, particularly from Saturday to Monday, when most fans are expected to arrive and depart.
Chauhan, who waited four hours in a virtual queue for match tickets, expressed excitement about attending the match, highlighting its historical significance. “It’s an opportune moment, and there is a lot of exuberance to witness this,” he said.
In contrast, Piyush Nathani, an IT professional from Bengaluru, found luck in his ticket purchase, which cost just $5—a stark difference from the high market value generally associated with India-Pakistan matches. “This is the cheapest ticket I’ve ever purchased for a World Cup match,” he noted, pleased to attend with a group of friends.
For many fans, this match represents more than just a sporting event. Nathani recalled the thrill of witnessing India’s win against Pakistan during a recent 50-over World Cup group game. “The feeling of beating Pakistan is something money cannot buy,” he said.
As anticipation builds for the match, fans like Chheda and Nathani reaffirm that for them, beating Pakistan is a moral victory, underscoring the match’s significance beyond the realm of cricket.
