India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash in Colombo sparks flight frenzy, fares soar to Rs 60,000
Pakistan’s U-turn on boycott sends fans scrambling for tickets ahead of February 15 showdown in Colombo
Cricket fans are facing a price shock as round-trip fares from Mumbai to Colombo surge by nearly Rs 10,000 within minutes of the confirmation of the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash.
The eagerly-awaited February 15 fixture now commands a Mumbai-Colombo-Mumbai fare of approximately Rs 60,000, reflecting the frenzy surrounding one of cricket’s most high-profile encounters, according to a News18 report.
According to online booking details, Air India’s Chandigarh round trip to Colombo for February 15-16 was showing around Rs 63,000, while IndiGo fares were ranging between Rs 70,000 and Rs 74,000. Delhi-Colombo fares hovered around Rs 40,000-45,000.
The dramatic spike in prices follows Pakistan’s reversal of its earlier boycott decision, ending weeks of uncertainty over the tournament’s marquee match.
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Known for its massive viewership and electric atmosphere, the India-Pakistan clash is expected to draw tens of thousands of spectators, pushing prices higher.
Formal discussions between the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), supported by meetings that included representatives from Sri Lanka Cricket, helped pave the way for Pakistan’s U‑turn, with the team ultimately agreeing to take the field against India.
The reversal comes after BCB president Aminul Islam visited Pakistan and requested PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi to ensure the team plays the match for the greater good of the cricket ecosystem. Sources said Naqvi formally asked Islam to appeal to Pakistan, which helped resolve the standoff.
“In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan National Cricket Team to take the field on February 15, 2026, for its scheduled fixture in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup,” the Pakistan government stated in a press release.
“...this decision has been taken with the aim of protecting the spirit of cricket, and to support the continuity of this global sport in all participating nations,” the statement from Pakistan government added.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also received a call from Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who too urged him to allow the team to play the match.
