Ticketing issues: Cricket fans experience delays, confusion, and frustration
Cricket fans are facing significant challenges in getting printed tickets for the upcoming Tri-nation Series and Champions Trophy 2025, which they had purchased online. Long lines and slow processing at designated courier centers have caused frustration, with each ticket request taking about four to five minutes to process.
This sluggish system has led to growing anger among fans in Lahore and Karachi, resulting in chaos and even property damage. The situation is further complicated by a breakdown in communication between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the courier service provider. Despite a PCB press release on February 3rd announcing that online ticket sales for the tri-series would begin at 4 PM on February 4th, fans were forced to wait until midnight before the system went live.
Adding to the confusion, ticket buyers were asked to visit express centers to collect printed tickets, despite earlier being told by email that tickets could be collected starting February 6th. When customers contacted support, they were told to come on February 7th, leaving many with little time to get their tickets before the match.
Fans outside the express centers pointed out that in previous events, PCB had partnered with a different online booking platform that didn’t require ticket prints, only a QR code for verification at the stadium gates.
The combination of slow processing, the unnecessary printing requirement, limited catering facilities, and poor planning has left many cricket lovers in Pakistan feeling disappointed and let down.
