Test series tickets for Bangladesh vs. Pakistan 'as cheap as' samosas, draws mockery online
The Test series between Bangladesh and Pakistan is set to begin on August 21 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. To make the matches more accessible, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has set ticket prices starting at just Rs 15.
As Bangladesh and Pakistan prepare to clash in their upcoming Test series starting August 21 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, a buzz has been created not by the players or the match itself, but by the ticket prices announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Ticket prices are set remarkably low, with the least expensive ones costing as little as Rs 15 (PKR 50), approximately the price of a "samosa."
Netizens have a field day over ticket prices
This unique pricing strategy quickly became a hot topic on social media platforms, especially on X, where users playfully compared the cost to everyday items. One viral comment highlighted the affordability humorously: ¡°Itne ka toh idhar 1 samosa aata hai.¡±
Itne ka toh idhar 1 samosa aata hai??
¡ª Vishwajeet (@Vishwajeet_9340) August 13, 2024
15rs me to ek samosa aayega ?? inke so called brand ab 25 dollar ki selfie se 15 rs ke samose ki aukaat ?? pe aa gaye
¡ª Rishu singh Rajput (@Rishusi95529688) August 13, 2024
PCB's decision aims to make Test cricket more accessible to the masses, especially considering recent home series losses to Australia and England. Shan Masood, Pakistan's captain, emphasised the need for the team to redefine their playing identity to achieve better results in upcoming matches.
Test cricket ticket prices in recent times
In contrast, ticket pricing for Test matches varies significantly around the world. For instance, during the India-England Test match earlier this year, ticket prices ranged from Rs 200 to Rs 1,500 per day, with premium options costing up to Rs 16,000 for season tickets.
Meanwhile, in England, the cost of watching a Test match, especially marquee series like the Ashes, has seen a substantial rise. A report from The Guardian last year noted that the lowest Ashes ticket at The Oval was ?105 (approximately ?9,600), with the highest reaching ?170 (approximately ?15,500) at Lord's, attributed to escalating operational costs.
Are ticket prices for Test cricket matches too expensive?
byu/_rickjames inCricket
The pricing strategy in Pakistan has not only drawn attention for its affordability but also sparked a debate about what constitutes a fair ticket price for Test cricket, considering the varying global standards.
The Bangladesh team, amidst political turmoil back home, has already arrived in Pakistan, four days ahead of schedule, gearing up for the two-match series. This series is crucial for both teams as they aim to establish dominance and fine-tune their strategies on the field.
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