Tickets for the highly anticipated final of the 2025 Champions Trophy, which is set to take place on March 9, will only be made available four days prior to this pivotal match. In an announcement made on Monday concerning the eight-team tournament, which will kick off on February 19, the International Cricket Council (ICC) stated that tickets to the final will go on sale following the conclusion of the first semi-final scheduled for March 4.
This delayed ticket release for the final is a direct consequence of the hybrid model adopted for the tournament. This model has been necessitated by the decision of the Indian team to not travel to Pakistan for the matches, compelling organizers to ensure that India will play all its games in Dubai, including any knockout matches, should they advance to that stage. Although India’s participation in the semi-finals is a matter of speculation, the first semi-final will nonetheless be played in Dubai, independent of India's advancement to the last four. Should India reach the final, that match will also occur in Dubai. Conversely, the second semi-final is scheduled to be hosted in Lahore, and if India fails to make the final, that semi-final will also remain in Lahore.
The ICC further elucidated that tickets for the matches held in Pakistan, which includes ten matches and the Lahore semi-final, will go on sale from Tuesday at 2 PM Pakistani time, or 1:30 PM IST. However, tickets for the matches situated in Dubai will not be available immediately. The ICC has indicated that specific information will be released in the coming days regarding the Dubai leg, although no definitive date has been provided for this.
Pricing for the matches in Pakistan has been set to ensure accessibility, with tickets for the general category available starting at 1,000 Pakistani rupees (approximately 3.59 USD), while the premium category begins at 1,500 Pakistani rupees (approximately 5.38 USD). Sumair Ahmad Syed, the tournament director and Chief Operating Officer of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), emphasized that the tickets have been deliberately priced to be "affordable," allowing fans from diverse backgrounds to partake in this historic event and making it a festive gathering that appeals to cricket enthusiasts across generations.
As for the tournament structure, both India and Pakistan find themselves in Group A alongside Bangladesh and New Zealand. The eagerly awaited match between India and Pakistan is set to be held in Dubai on February 23, drawing considerable attention from fans around the world.
The PCB is currently engaged in a race against time to ensure its stadiums meet the necessary standards in preparation for the Champions Trophy. Renovations are underway at all three venues located in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. Despite the ongoing work, the PCB remains confident that all venues will be fully ready well in advance of the tournament. Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, along with Karachi's National Stadium, is scheduled to host a short triangular One Day International series featuring New Zealand and South Africa just before the Champions Trophy begins.
It's noteworthy to mention that the 2023 ODI World Cup in India was similarly impacted by a delayed ticket release, with the initial batch becoming available only 41 days prior to the opening match. Such trends reflect the challenges organizers face in coordinating logistics while ensuring fan engagement and participation.
Thus, as the cricketing world gears up for the 2025 Champions Trophy, all eyes will be on the developments surrounding ticket sales and preparations for what promises to be a thrilling tournament. The unique hybrid model coupled with the historical rivalry between India and Pakistan adds an extra layer of excitement, setting the stage for an unforgettable cricketing experience.