For the first time, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is not offering free passes for the ICC Champions Trophy, a shift from their usual practice during international series. Previously, complimentary tickets were allocated to media, government, VIPs, and sponsors. Currently, only a few tickets have been provided for the Chairman’s personal guests. PCB officials face pressure from those accustomed to receiving free passes but are unable to accommodate requests due to the International Cricket Council’s control over ticketing. Ticket sales have been strong, particularly for the Australia vs. England match, with all attendees being paying customers.
Pakistan Cricket Board.© X (formerly Twitter)
For the first time, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is not providing complimentary passes for enclosures, VIP areas, or hospitality boxes during the current ICC Champions Trophy, marking a shift from previous practices for international series in Pakistan. Traditionally, whenever an international series takes place in Pakistan, the PCB allocates tickets to be distributed as free passes to various stakeholders, including the media, government officials, VIPs, and sponsors. However, aside from a limited number of tickets allocated to the Chairman for personal guests and sponsors, the PCB has not designated any quota for complimentary passes, as reported by an official source familiar with the ticketing process for the Champions Trophy.
“PCB officials are under considerable pressure as those accustomed to receiving free passes are requesting them, but they are informed that since the International Cricket Council oversees the ticketing for the tournament, there are no complimentary passes available,” the source stated.
“It is quite challenging to explain this to the government agencies involved in the various logistical aspects of organizing the matches and the VVIPs who anticipate receiving free passes.” The source noted that even during India’s visit to Pakistan in 2004 after a 14-year gap, there was considerable demand for tickets, and the then PCB chairman, Shaharyar Khan, had initially resolved not to distribute free passes but was compelled to reconsider due to increasing pressure from stakeholders.
“This time, all the individuals you see in the enclosures at the stadium are paying customers—no freebies,” he emphasized.
He mentioned that ticket sales have been robust, especially for Saturday’s match between Australia and England at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
“We hope the stadium will be filled by the time the second innings starts in the evening,” he remarked.
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