Sri Lankan cricket legend Muttiah Muralitharan has criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for setting high ticket prices for the Asia Cup 2023 matches, particularly the India versus Pakistan encounter, which witnessed notably empty stands at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Muralitharan said
Muralitharan highlighted the financial crisis currently faced by Sri Lanka and expressed concerns about the affordability of ticket prices. He mentioned that ticket prices started at Sri Lankan Rupees 6000 and went up to 40000 to 50000 Sri Lankan Rupees for seats in the grandstands, which equates to a monthly salary for many Sri Lankans. He pointed out that such high prices made it difficult for the local population to attend matches.
“It is the PCB who has decided the prices for these tickets as they are hosting the Asia Cup this year. Sri Lanka is currently going through a financial crisis. The ticket prices are really expensive, and they were reduced at the last moment (just before the India vs. Pakistan match in Colombo) but it doesn’t work that way. The ticket prices start from Sri Lankan Rupees 6000 and upwards. If you want to watch the match from the grandstands it is 40000 to 50000 Sri Lankan Rupees, which is equivalent to a person’s monthly salary. I don’t think anyone can afford that much money in Sri Lanka,” Muralitharan said to Cricket Pakistan.
In addition to ticket prices, Muralitharan mentioned that rain predictions and confusion regarding the venue may have contributed to the low turnout. There was a prediction of heavy rainfall on the day of the India versus Sri Lanka match, and there was an option to move the Super Four games to Hambantota, where the weather forecast was better. While the venue was eventually not changed, the confusion may have deterred potential spectators.
Muralitharan also suggested that the rain prediction might have discouraged people from buying tickets, as it could have led to a dampened match experience.
“The league match between India and Pakistan ended up in a tie (no result) because of the rains. Perhaps, it was because of the rain prediction that people don’t want to take a chance. Also, there was some confusion regarding the venue (from Colombo to Hambantota) of the Super 4 matches and the final. People will be apprehensive to come forward and buy tickets,” he concluded.
Despite these challenges, the India versus Pakistan match was eventually completed over two days, with India securing a dominant 228-run victory.
Muralitharan’s comments shed light on the complexities of organizing and attending cricket matches in the context of various factors, including ticket pricing, weather, and venue logistics. It underscores the importance of considering these aspects to ensure that cricket remains accessible and enjoyable for fans, especially in countries facing economic challenges.
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