Indo-Pak match: Empty stands not good advertisement for cricket’s greatest rivalry


PTI, Sep 10, 2023, 4:42 PM IST

The electrifying atmosphere that makes a cricket match between India and Pakistan a pulsating spectacle was absent during their Asia Cup Super 4 match here on Sunday.

The spectators once again stayed away from one of the most storied cricketing rivalries despite it being a weekend, just as it was the case during the Indo-Pak league match at Pallekele.

The organisers were expecting to see a good turnout as Colombo has a good representation of Indians and Pakistanis. In fact, back in 2012, during the World T20 game between the same teams, the Premadasa Stadium was jam-packed. As it has been in Mirpur, Melbourne, Adelaide, Dubai, Birmingham, London or Manchester throughout the better part of the last decade.

The local administrators were understandably disappointed despite them not having any financial stake in the match, as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is the official host.

”With the rain staying away, we were expecting a good turnout. But tickets are still available offline and online. In fact, the ticket rate too has been slashed but we are yet to see a big rush. Hopefully, it will pick up,” said an SLC official.

Sri Lanka Cricket has also tweeted about the price reduction of tickets for all the Super 4 matches, including the one between India and Pakistan.

The price of C and D Upper Block tickets at the Premadasa Stadium has been slashed to LKR 1000 while the rate for C and D Lower Block tickets is now fixed at LKR 500.

However, the price reduction is applicable only to the Super 4 matches as the prices will be restored for the final scheduled on September 17.

So, what could have been the reason behind the crowd staying away from this much-anticipated match? ”Perhaps, it was because of the rain prediction that people don’t want to take a chance, or may be the local interest is not there,” the SLC official said.

However, the Super 4 match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on Saturday too saw several empty spaces in the stands.

But a PCB official said the selection of the venue itself was far from ideal.

”It is tough to organise cricket matches in Sri Lanka at this time of the year as it rains there more often than not. But then, a decision has been made and now we have to go ahead,” the official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

He said the speculation over a possible venue shift also might have affected the sale of tickets.

”Then there were all those talks about shifting the venue (from Colombo to Hambantota) of Super 4 matches and the final. Obviously, people will be apprehensive to come forward and buy tickets,” he added.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

FIR against Sanjay Raut’s brother for remarks against Shiv Sena’s woman leader

Kodagu murder case accused escapes from police in Hyderabad

Karnataka Maritime Board announces plans for Mangaluru Water Metro Project

Royal Enfield forays into electric bike segment; unveils first model under Flying Flea brand

US going to historically tight presidential election

Balasore tragedy result of composite negligence of railway officials: Orissa High Court

Actress Kasthuri stokes controversy by her remarks on Telugu-speaking people in TN

Related Articles More

IPL auction set to be held in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh at end of November

So proud of you: Ravindra reveals rare message from dad after NZ’s historic series win

Gautam Gambhir’s performance under scanner after disaster in Sri Lanka and India

ISL: Mumbai City defeat Kerala Blasters 4-2 in six-goal thriller

BCCI to discuss NZ whitewash, some star seniors could be phased out post Australia series

MUST WATCH

Gho Pooja in Deepavali Festival

Melukote Deepavali

Ganapathi Co-operative Society Ltd

Udayavani Chinnara Banna 2024

Annapoorna Aahar | Food Places In Mysore


Latest Additions

FIR against Sanjay Raut’s brother for remarks against Shiv Sena’s woman leader

Kodagu murder case accused escapes from police in Hyderabad

New software for fast-tracking project approvals: Karnataka Minister Patil

Karnataka Maritime Board announces plans for Mangaluru Water Metro Project

In-flight passengers can access WiFi services only when allowed, say new rules

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.