The blockbuster India–Pakistan encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to take place at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, with anticipation reaching unprecedented levels.
The stadium, which accommodates around 35,000 spectators, has already sold out completely via the International Cricket Council website. In a remarkable surge of demand, more than 88,000 ticket requests were reportedly received—far exceeding capacity and underlining the global pull of cricket’s most iconic rivalry.
The excitement has spilled over into the travel sector as well. Airfares from India to Sri Lanka have soared ahead of the match. Checks on Air India show flights from New Delhi to Katunayake between February 13 and 16 now ranging from INR 76,000 to INR 100,000—up sharply from the usual INR 15,000.
Other carriers on the same route, including IndiGo and SriLankan Airlines, are also charging significantly higher fares, with tickets priced between INR 60,000 and INR 111,644.
Colombo’s hotel sector is riding the wave too. Room rates at leading city hotels have more than doubled, with several properties quoting over INR 100,000 per night—equivalent to more than Rs. 340,000.
As the city braces for a historic, high-energy showdown, the India–Pakistan clash has already reshaped flight prices, hotel rates, and ticket demand—setting new benchmarks for sporting enthusiasm in Sri Lanka.
