Win over Pak propels surge in demand for Dubai tickets
Times of India | 25 February 2025
Kolkata: Demand for tickets for India's last group match against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy on March 2 has soared, and many are planning a Dubai trip between March 1 and 9 to catch the Men in Blue play the semi-final and hopefully, the final. With India demolishing Pakistan on Sunday and Virat Kohli hammering a majestic hundred, interest in the tournament has suddenly soared, and many are now interested in combining a leisure trip with some high-voltage cricket, said travel agents.
India is likely to play its semi-final in Dubai on March 4, while the final is slated for March 9. Until a fortnight ago, there was hardly any demand for flight or match tickets, according to Anil Punjabi, a member of the Travel Agents Federation of India. "It started picking up after the Indian team reached Dubai and the match build-up started. More than 100 from Kolkata travelled to Dubai for the Indo-Pak match. India's all-round show and Virat Kohli's return to form now sparked off a frenzy, and those initially not interested are now exploring the possibility of a quick trip. Many are asking us for tickets for the New Zealand match and even the semi-final, though India has not yet officially reached the last-four stage," added Punjabi.
With the Dubai shopping festival extended this year, those looking to spice up their travel will have a gala time, according to Joydeep Mukherjee of Meghdutam Travels, which sent a group of six to Dubai for Sunday's Pakistan match. "The only dampener is the fact that the board exams are underway. Without them, the rush would be bigger. But we still expect a surge over the next two days, especially if India beats New Zealand and seals a semi-final spot," said Mukherjee.
A round-trip Kolkata-Dubai flight ticket is now available for Rs 45,000-Rs 51,000 on Feb 28 and March 1. "We have started receiving queries for match and flight tickets from those who already have a visa. Those planning a trip now are keen to stay back for the semi-final," added Punjabi.
Flight ticket prices, however, may rise sharply over the next week. A Dubai visa can be secured in three to four days, while those with a US visa can get a visa on arrival. "With shopping and sightseeing thrown in, this is an ideal vacation," added Mukherjee.
Meanwhile, Kolkata celebrated till late into the night on Sunday across neighbourhoods, clubs, and pubs as India defeated Pakistan. Processions were taken out with the Tricolour, and crackers burst in neighbourhoods. Restaurants with TV screens saw a full house as fans cheered the Men in Blue till the last run. At Chapter 2 in south Kolkata the crowd cheered every run and the restaurant remained packed till 11.30 pm, said owner and co-founder Shiladitya Chaudhury.
Kolkata entrepreneur Mahesh Punjabi, who watched the match at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, said he had an exhilarating experience.