Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Price Cricket World Cup 2011 Tickets attractively

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Price Cricket World Cup 2011 Tickets attractively

Would you believe this? You can watch Pakistan versus Australia in Colombo for just Rs 10 while you may have to shell out a minimum of Rs 173 to watch Zimbabwe versus Canada in Chennai.

After the 2007 ticket debacle, it looks like the organisers of 2011 World Cup on the Indian side have not learnt their lessons. While associations in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are offering great ticket deals, the Indian associations seem to be rigid with their pricing and are seriously inviting trouble in the process. Barring India matches, expect very few takers for other matches to be played in India.

The World Cup is now less than 10 days away and it is safe to say the final countdown has begun. But, if you are wondering why there is no frenzy yet for the tickets, the reasons are obvious. Pricing is the biggest issue once again. The 2007 World Cup in the West Indies was a big failure with empty stands for virtually every game simply due to exorbitant pricing. This time around, with 3 hosts in the fray, differential pricing seems very evident. Sri Lanka has taken the lead and are doing very well with their pricing. For some matches even involving the hosts, Sri Lankan authorities have priced the minimum tickets at just Indian rupee 10! And for a high profile match like Sri Lanka versus Pakistan, minimum ticket has been priced at just Rs 25. This is very interesting and teasing.

Ticket prices for matches being played in Sri Lanka for matches involving Sri Lanka with top teams like Pakistan and Australia

North stand - Rs 2500 (Corporate Boxes)
South Stand - Rs 125 and 250
East Stand - Rs 25 and 50
West stand - Rs 125, 250 and 1250

Ticket prices for matches being played in Sri Lanka for matches involving Sri Lanka with teams like Kenya and Canada

North stand - Rs 1250 (Corporate Boxes)
South Stand - Rs 75 and 125
East Stand - Rs 10 and 25
West stand - Rs 75, 125 and 500

Ticket prices for matches being played in Sri Lanka for matches involving teams other than Sri Lanka. Example: Pakistan Vs New Zealand

North stand - NA
South Stand - Rs 125, 250 and 2000 (Corporate Box)
East Stand - Rs 15 and 75
West stand - Rs 15 and 75

Would you buy a ticket for Rs 173 for a Zimbabwe versus Canada match?
A. Yes
B. No

Bangladesh too can expect full stadiums with their pricing

Someone asked me what is the purpose of even charging 10 when they could have simply let the fans in for free. Good point but it is very important to look at this as at least a beginning in the right direction. Consider this. Why on earth fans in the subcontinent would go out to watch teams like Canada, Kenya or Netherlands without some kind of incentive. Our cricket fans need invites to watch even domestic cricket tournaments like Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy or even the star-studded Irani Trophy matches. So, pricing them reasonably is definitely a step in the right direction.

After all, for players from countries like Canada, Netherlands or Kenya, being on the big stage like World Cup is one thing and to see thousands in the stands just adds to the great feeling. And the in the long run it will help cricket gain considerable mileage in such countries.

Bangladesh too seem to have taken a leaf out of Sri Lanka in the way they have priced their tickets. Most matches being played in Bangladesh feature the home team in action. With World Cup coming into Bangladesh for the first time ever, the associations there could have gotten lured to the temptation of some quick bucks. But, they resisted and that is great news for the cricket fan. The minimum prices for the India-Bangladesh match have been pegged at Rs 114 and Rs 150 and the good news is nearly 50% of the total tickets fall in this category. By doing so, the authorities in Bangladesh have not only made cricket very accessible but also quite affordable.

Ticket prices for matches being played in Bangladesh for matches involving Bangladesh with top teams like Pakistan, India and England

North stand - Rs 1500 and 7500 (International hospitality boxes)
South Stand - Rs 525 and 2250 (Grand Stand)
East Stand - Rs 114 and 150
West stand - Rs 114 and 150

Would you buy a ticket for Rs 173 for a Zimbabwe versus Canada match?
A. Yes
B. No

In India, it is as high as 20k for one ticket

Indian cricket associations on the other hand have once again tried showing their cricketing clout in the prices for the general public. The cheapest ticket for any match being played in India is Rs 100 for the matches at Ahmedabad where Indian team is not involved. The minimum price for the India-South Africa match at be played at Nagpur is Rs 345 while the minimum for the India-West Indies match has been fixed at Rs 500. Agreed Indian cricket fans would throng at any cost to see their stars play but there is always something called justified pricing. What is worse is pricing for matches not featuring India. Minimum for New Zealand versus Kenya has been fixed at Rs 250 while that for Zimbabwe versus Canada pegged at Rs 173! Now, why would anyone want to spend Rs 173 for a Zimbabwe versus Canada? By being rigid, the authorities are automatically ensuring the stands are going to play empty during every such game.

Ticket prices for matches being played in India for matches involving India with top teams like South Africa, England and West Indies

North stand - Minimum Rs 1150 (Nagpur) and Maximum Rs 20000 (Chennai - AC Box)
South Stand - Minimum Rs 1150 (Nagpur) and Maximum Rs 20000 (Chennai - AC Box)
East Stand - Minimum Rs 250 and Maximum 1000
West stand - Minimum Rs 345 and Maximum Rs 5000 (Bangalore Executive Box)

Ticket prices for matches being played in India and not featuring India.

Example used here: Zimbabwe versus Canada
North stand - Rs 575 and 863
South Stand - Rs 575, 1725 and 2300
East Stand - Rs 173
West stand - Rs 345

With a poor effort once again from the Indian cricket authorities, do not be surprised at all if the World Cup 2011 also suffers the fate the Caribbean event suffered four years ago. And don't be surprised if the authorities come out then and blame the T20 revolution for the mishap.