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Why India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Tickets Are Not Selling Out; Reasons Revealed

Rajgeeta Yadav

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli [Source: AFP]Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli [Source: AFP]

The Asia Cup 2025 begins on September 9, with India playing their first game on September 10. The tournament will run till September 28, and India and Pakistan could end up playing three times if both teams go far. This year’s Asia Cup is being played in the T20 format, which means big names like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will not be part of the action.

Normally, India vs Pakistan tickets sell out within minutes. But surprisingly, this time, tickets for their clash on September 14 in Dubai are still unsold. Here are some of the main reasons:

1. No Kohli and Rohit

One of the biggest dampeners is the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both legends retired from T20 internationals after the 2024 World Cup. For many Indian fans, these two were the main attraction. 

Their absence has reduced the hype, as younger names, while talented, don’t carry the same aura yet. Similarly, Pakistan too is without some big draws like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, which makes the fixture feel less “blockbuster” than usual.

2. Security Concerns After Terror Attack

The political climate also plays a role. Following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, which killed 26 tourists, many Indian fans have questioned whether India should even be playing against Pakistan. 

Although the government cleared participation in multi-nation tournaments, the anger and protests online show that a section of supporters are boycotting the fixture. This has definitely impacted sales.

3. Hot Weather in UAE

The Asia Cup is being hosted in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where September temperatures are often extremely high. Watching a long evening match in such heat is not everyone’s idea of fun. The tough weather, combined with other factors, is likely discouraging some fans from making the trip.

4. Expensive “Package” Tickets

The biggest reason, though, seems to be the ticketing system. Unlike past years, fans cannot buy a ticket just for the India-Pakistan game. Instead, organisers have bundled it into a 7-match package, with prices starting at ₹33,600 and going up to a massive ₹3,12,000 for premium lounges. Many fans only want to watch the rivalry match, not the six other games in the bundle. 

On the other hand, tickets for other Asia Cup matches are available separately and start as low as ₹1,200. This massive difference has frustrated fans and led to low sales.