By Zainab Shafiq 
Dubai is bracing itself for a thrilling dose of cricket, as tickets to the much-talked-about India vs Pakistan face-off in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 sold out within minutes of its release. Hundreds of thousands of fans worldwide surged to book tickets, with an influx of 150,000 enthusiasts on the ticketing portal, leading to long queues and disappointment.
India vs Pakistan Tickets for Champions Trophy Sold Within Minutes
The much-awaited high-voltage clash on February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium has already created a ruckus with the sale of all categories, be it general admission or Grand Lounge. While the Platinum, which was selling for Dh2,000, and the Grand Lounge, going for Dh5,000, sold out, all other tickets in the stadium also sold within hours of being available.
This is overwhelming, but what is most unprecedented is the hype that has built around India-Pakistan matches. Fans who couldn’t get hold of tickets are now desperately searching for alternative options to watch the match – whether at fan zones, sports bars, or even digital platforms.
Dubai Ready to Boom Economically
Beyond the action on the field, the tournament is set to provide a significant economic boost to Dubai’s tourism and hospitality sector. With thousands of international visitors expected from India, Pakistan, and beyond, hotels are witnessing a surge in bookings, while airlines are reporting higher-than-usual demand on key routes.
“Dubai is witnessing a significant rise in travel interest from cricket-loving countries. The air travel has been on an upswing while hotels also saw bookings, especially in areas that surround the stadium and downtown,” says a travel industry analyst. “It is more than just a cricket match; it is an economic event that impacts multiple sectors.
Restaurants, cafes, and entertainment centers are jumping on the bandwagon, offering unique match-day experiences to fans who cannot attend the ground. Experts expect an increase of up to 50% in airfare as the fans finalize their travel plans.
Yet to Come: More Big Matches
In the group stages, India will face Bangladesh on 20 February and New Zealand on 2 March at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, along with a semifinal on 4 March and, if India advances, the final on 9 March. Pakistan will host the rest of the tournament, which has already been selling tickets around the country.
With the anticipation building, all eyes are now on the ICC’s official broadcasters, who are expected to reveal global streaming and telecast details soon, ensuring millions of fans worldwide don’t miss out on cricket’s most intense rivalry.