The much-awaited India vs Pakistan clash in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup has finally received official confirmation after weeks of uncertainty, sparking
massive excitement among fans and triggering a surge in travel demand to Colombo.
The high-profile Group A fixture is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 15, at the R. Premadasa Stadium, with the match set to begin at 7 PM local time.
The announcement not only ensured the continuation of one of cricket's most iconic rivalries but also protected the tournament from potential financial setbacks. The confirmation immediately led to a rush among fans eager to witness the contest live, resulting in a sharp spike in flight fares from major Indian cities to Sri Lanka's capital.
Ticket prices for flights from Delhi to Colombo have witnessed an unprecedented rise. Economy class fares, which usually hover around ₹30,000, have climbed to nearly ₹1.10 lakh on certain flights. Business class tickets have soared even higher, reaching approximately ₹2.25 lakh. Similarly, SriLankan Airlines flights from Delhi have recorded economy fares around ₹1.39 lakh, with business class tickets touching ₹2.09 lakh.
Mumbai has also experienced a steep rise in travel costs, with economy class tickets for a one-way flight reaching nearly ₹84,000 on Air India. SriLankan Airlines flights from Mumbai are currently priced around ₹64,000 for economy class and ₹1.39 lakh for business class travel. Bengaluru routes have also been affected, with economy fares climbing to approximately ₹86,000, although the overall impact has been slightly lower due to shorter travel distances.
India will first play their second Group A match against Namibia in New Delhi on Thursday before travelling to Sri Lanka for the marquee contest. The tight schedule presents a quick turnaround for the Indian team as they prepare for one of the biggest matches in world cricket.
The match's confirmation came after the Pakistan government directed its national team to participate following high-level discussions involving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reportedly briefed Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif about the outcome of these negotiations before the final decision was made.
With the uncertainty resolved, anticipation continues to build around the blockbuster clash, which remains one of the most watched and commercially significant events in international cricket.
