Dubai, UAE — Cricket fever has gripped Dubai as India secured a spot in the Champions Trophy final by defeating Australia, setting the stage for a grand finale at the Dubai International Stadium.
However, for many eager fans, the excitement quickly turned to shock and frustration as tickets sold out online within 40 minutes, including the Dh12,000 Sky Box category.
The rapid sell-out led to a surge in resale prices, with some tickets listed at Dh97,746 on Viagogo — a staggering 714 per cent increase from the original price.
Cricket enthusiasts, including residents, tourists, and fans who queued online for over an hour, were dismayed to find all categories sold out. Despite the steep resale prices, demand remained high.
Viagogo reported that the Dh97,746 tickets were among the last available, attracting thousands of views. Meanwhile, Xchangetickets listed the Dh250 General Admission tickets for as much as Dh3,000 — an 1,100 per cent markup.
Platforms such as Ticombo showed most categories unavailable, with remaining tickets in the Grand Lounge priced above Dh11,000 and the Premium section exceeding Dh6,000.
The site also enabled potential buyers to propose offers on listings, turning ticket purchasing into an online haggling affair.
The frenzy surrounding ticket sales is partly attributed to the neutral venue decision. India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan over security concerns led to Dubai hosting the final on March 9, drawing visitors from around the world.
The India-Pakistan match on February 23 also saw a similar trend, with resale prices surging to 600 per cent above face value. Despite the eye-watering prices, cricket fans appeared undeterred.
Online marketplaces displayed urgent notifications warning buyers that only two or four tickets were left in each category. Meanwhile, physical tickets are expected to go on sale at the Dubai International Stadium Box Office, offering a glimmer of hope for those unable to secure tickets online.
The much-anticipated final will see India face the winners of the second semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa. As the countdown to March 9 continues, fans without tickets are left with a choice — pay the hefty resale prices or try their luck at the stadium’s box office.