The India vs Pakistan clash in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 is more than just a cricket match; it's an emotion that transcends borders. The anticipation was palpable, and the scramble for tickets was nothing short of a battlefield. Within minutes of going live on Bookmyshow.com, the official ticketing partner, tickets were sold out. However, Viagogo, a global online platform for sports tickets, still has over 100 tickets available, albeit at astronomical prices.
For the marquee clash between India and Pakistan, a South Premium West Bay ticket at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad starts from Rs 66,000 and skyrockets to well over a jaw-dropping Rs 19,51,580 each on Viagogo. In contrast, the same seats for an England vs New Zealand game are priced at a mere Rs 6,000.
What about other India fixtures: IND vs ENG and IND vs AUS
The pricing anomaly isn't limited to the India vs Pakistan match. Tickets for the India vs England fixture in Lucknow have a starting price of Rs 2,34,632. Meanwhile, the India vs Australia match in Chennai sees ticket prices starting at Rs 31,340 and going up to Rs 9,31,295.
The Viagogo Factor: A blessing or curse?
While Bookmyshow.com has been under fire for the long wait times and rapid sell-outs, Viagogo offers a more user-friendly interface. The platform also provides free home delivery and interactive maps for better decision-making. However, the premium pricing has raised eyebrows and questions about the ethics of such a pricing strategy.
The official response: Bookmyshow.com flags issue
CricketNext reached out to Bookmyshow.com regarding the tickets being sold by Viagogo. The portal confirmed that the issue has been flagged to the organisers of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. Social media has been abuzz with criticism aimed at both Bookmyshow.com and viagogo for different reasons.
The long wait times on Bookmyshow.com and the exorbitant prices on Viagogo have led to a public outcry. Fans are questioning the fairness of the ticketing process, especially for high-demand matches like India vs Pakistan. The issue has garnered significant attention, leading to calls for more transparent and equitable ticketing practices.
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