COLOMBO: Flight and hotel prices in Colombo, Sri Lanka, have skyrocketed as thousands of cricket fans flock to the city ahead of the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash on Sunday.
The two cricketing neighbours and fierce rivals are set to face each other in the group stage of the tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, after Pakistan reversed an earlier decision to boycott the match.
The match at R. Premadasa Stadium, Sri Lanka’s largest venue, is sold out with approximately 35,000 tickets sold. Hotels in Colombo have nearly doubled their rates, with rooms now costing up to $660 per night, compared to a typical $100-$150, according to multiple booking sites.
Flights have also surged following last-minute bookings. Travel agencies in Colombo reported fuller flights from major Indian cities. Tickets from Chennai, about 90 minutes away, have more than tripled to roughly $623-$756, while fares from Delhi have risen over 50% to around $666.
Nalin Jayasundera, President of Sri Lanka Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), said most hotels were fully booked. “Most fans are coming on all-inclusive packages that could cost $1,500-$2,000 or even higher, depending on ticket, hotel, and flight prices,” he said.
Tourism, Sri Lanka’s third-largest foreign exchange earner, is vital for the island nation, which is renowned for its ancient temples, pristine beaches, and lush tea plantations. Officials hope that hosting high-profile sporting events like this can further boost economic recovery after the country’s recent financial crisis and a cyclone that claimed 650 lives.
Buddhika Hewawasam, chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, said roughly 20% of the 100,000 visitors to the country in the first 10 days of February came specifically for the India-Pakistan cricket match.
“This clearly shows confidence in Sri Lanka as a neutral cricket venue. Whether it’s India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh, it’s a welcome message to all South Asian countries that they can play cricket in Sri Lanka,” he added.
Mian Sultan, a cricket fan from Lahore, shared his excitement ahead of the game. “I think it’s going to be a great experience,” said Sultan, who spent $800 on a front-row seat and is travelling with a friend from New Zealand. “I’m really excited about this match and I believe Pakistan can come out on top on Sunday.”