New Delhi: The high-profile India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match will be played in Colombo on February 15, triggering massive excitement among cricket fans and a sharp spike in airfares to Sri Lanka.
Flight ticket prices jumped within minutes of Pakistan formally withdrawing its boycott threat and confirming participation in the marquee clash. Round-trip airfares from Mumbai to Colombo have risen by nearly ₹10,000, with average return tickets now costing around ₹60,000 per passenger.
Travel portals reported a surge in bookings as fans rushed to secure flights and accommodation for what is considered the most-watched match of the tournament. Industry sources said fares could climb further as match day approaches and seat availability shrinks.
The spike followed an official confirmation by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that the team would take the field against India on February 15. Pakistan’s decision came after consultations with the International Cricket Council and appeals from friendly nations including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the UAE.
While the announcement has ended uncertainty surrounding the tournament’s biggest fixture, it has also made last-minute travel significantly more expensive for fans planning to watch the match live in Colombo.
