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The electrifying atmosphere surrounding the much-anticipated India-Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy match has taken over Dubai, with fans scrambling for tickets and security struggling to manage the overwhelming crowd outside the ICC Academy. Hundreds of supporters gathered in hopes of catching a glimpse of their favorite cricketers during India’s practice session ahead of the high-stakes clash.
The feverish demand for match tickets has led to emotional moments, as seen outside the Dubai International Stadium, where a young fan was left in tears after missing a chance to take a selfie with Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam. The excitement for this marquee game comes after a relatively quiet start to the tournament in Dubai.
However, the passion comes at a price—securing a seat at the 30,000-capacity stadium costs at least Rs 12,000 (500 dirhams), making it difficult for many ardent supporters to afford. Recognizing this challenge, Indian businessman Anis Sajan, vice-chairman of the Danube Group, stepped in as a savior for some fans. Using a lucky draw, Sajan distributed 100 free match tickets as a special Ramadan gift to his company’s blue-collar workforce, which comprises a significant number of Indians and Pakistanis. He also arranged a live screening for those unable to secure a seat.
“Cricket is more than just a sport. It is an emotion that unites people across borders. Many of our blue-collar workers are devoted cricket fans, but the high ticket prices and overwhelming demand make attending a live match a distant dream. Watching their cricketing idols live in action will be an unforgettable experience for them,” Sajan said, as reported by The Indian Express.
With 3.7 million Indians and 1.7 million Pakistanis living in the UAE, the demand for tickets has skyrocketed. Sajan isn’t the only businessman offering tickets as gifts—many employers have included match tickets in their Ramadan giveaways for cricket-loving employees.
“We always get gifts from our owners during Ramadan. This time, since we knew the match was happening here, our bosses gifted us match tickets. Otherwise, there was no way we could afford them,” Rakesh, a hospitality worker in Dubai, told The Indian Express.
Dubai’s enthusiasm for the India-Pakistan match has even affected local businesses. A major cinema chain has arranged live screenings, while shopping malls are reportedly facing a staff shortage on match day due to a surge in leave requests.
Pakistan Faces Must-Win Situation
For Pakistan, this match is crucial after their opening-game defeat to New Zealand. The stakes have been further emphasized by Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, who recently urged the team to not only win the Champions Trophy but also secure victory against their arch-rivals.
The Dubai International Stadium is set for a sold-out showdown, with roads leading to Sports City being closed from 9 AM to ensure security for the 1 PM start. Fans from across the UAE are expected to flood into the venue, hoping for a classic India-Pakistan encounter.
Head-to-Head Records and Team Preparations
The rich cricketing history between these two teams adds to the intensity. While India holds a dominant record in ODIs at the Dubai Stadium (2-0), Pakistan has had the upper hand in T20Is, winning two out of three encounters.
The teams trained separately before the match, with India practicing at the ICC Academy and Pakistan at the Dubai Stadium. To prevent clashes between rival fan groups, local Indian and Pakistani communities have arranged separate public screenings.
When asked about the hype surrounding the rivalry, India’s Shubman Gill remarked, “India-Pakistan has a long history. It’s always an exciting contest. If so many people love watching this match, who are we to say whether it’s over-hyped or not? Our job is to play cricket.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s coach Aaqib Javed acknowledged the pressure but remained optimistic. “There is no game without pressure. We lost to New Zealand, but we still have a chance. Against India, whether it’s a must-win or not, our players are eager to raise the bar,” he stated, as reported by The Indian Express.
Despite missing Jasprit Bumrah and with Virat Kohli struggling for form, India enters the match as favorites. But with the stakes so high, fans are hoping for a thrilling encounter in Dubai that will be remembered for years to come.
