ISLAMABAD: Dubai is buzzing with cricket fever as archrivals India and Pakistan prepare to lock horns in their Asia Cup 2025 Group A encounter on Sunday. But in a surprising twist, dozens of tickets for the most-hyped match of the tournament still remain unsold a rarity for a fixture between the two cricketing giants.
Fans are pointing fingers at the scorching Gulf weather, with temperatures hovering around 36°C and humidity close to 50 percent in the evening, making it tough for spectators to sit through a full game. “Players get paid to be out there, but why should fans pay hundreds of dollars just to sweat in the stands?” said Shahid Khan, a Dubai-based cricket lover.
Politics, too, is adding fuel to the fire. Some Indian and Pakistani fans are reportedly boycotting the clash to register their protest against their governments, especially in the wake of recent border tensions. Cricket writers note that the hostility off the field may have cast a shadow over what is usually a guaranteed sell-out.
Still, the hype hasn’t completely died. While stadium seats may be left vacant, screens around the world are expected to light up with millions of viewers tuning in. The game will be telecast live in India on the Sony Sports Network at 8:00 PM IST, with streaming available on SonyLIV. In the United States, Willow TV will broadcast the match from 10:30 AM EST, while UK fans can catch the action on local broadcasters.
Normally, India–Pakistan tickets disappear within hours, with desperate fans even paying hefty black-market rates. This time, however, seats in premium sections priced at $205–$245, and even in the luxury hospitality zone costing $1,645, were still up for grabs on the morning of the match.
Whether it’s the heat, the high prices, or the political climate, the “mother of all cricket rivalries” seems to have lost a little of its shine in Dubai. But one thing remains certain once the first ball is bowled, billions of eyes will once again be fixed on India vs Pakistan.
