Nagpur: What makes a 76-year-old Nagpur businessman pack his bags, hold on to his tickets despite uncertainty, and fly across the sea? The answer lies in two words that can stop traffic, spike airfares and ignite emotions across continents, India vs Pakistan.
The much-anticipated T20 World Cup clash between the arch-rivals on February 15 in Colombo has set off a wave of excitement among cricket lovers. Even a brief announcement by Pakistan hinting at a boycott only added suspense to the drama before the green signal finally came. By then, tickets were already sold out.
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Among those who refused to blink during the uncertainty was Nagpur’s Omprakash Mundra.
A ticket booked before the storm
For 76-year-old Mundra, cricket is not just a sport, it is an experience to be lived from the stands. The moment the World Cup schedule was announced, he secured his ticket for the India-Pak match, months in advance, along with flight reservations.
“I booked my match ticket and flight two months ago. The total fare from Nagpur to Colombo via Chennai was around Rs 9,000. If I tried booking now, it would cost over Rs 1 lakh,” Mundra said with a smile.
When news broke about Pakistan’s temporary decision to boycott the match, many fans panicked. Some even cancelled their bookings. Mundra did not.
“There was suspense, but I never cancelled. Friends who cancelled are now regretting it. An India-Pak match is always special. The excitement is unmatched,” he said.
Why this match feels different
Every cricket match carries its own thrill. But when India meets Pakistan, the stakes go beyond runs and wickets. It becomes a spectacle, charged with history, rivalry and emotion.
This time, the setting is the T20 World Cup stage in Colombo, making it even more intense. For many Indian fans, including those from Nagpur, it is more than a game; it is a once-in-a-lifetime memory in the making.
An NRI’s cricket pilgrimage
Adding to the buzz is NRI Vipul Patel, who has flown in from the United States to follow the tournament trail.
Patel recently watched the India vs USA match live in Mumbai and is now heading to Colombo for the blockbuster India-Pak encounter. He plans to stay in India until the World Cup final, travelling across cities to witness key matches.
“This kind of atmosphere can’t be felt on television. You have to be there,” he remarked.
Airfares take off with emotions
The announcement of the February 15 clash triggered another predictable reaction, soaring airfares.
With no direct flights from Nagpur to Colombo, travellers typically connect via Chennai or Bengaluru. On regular days, fares hover between Rs 7,000 and Rs 9,000. But within hours of the match confirmation, prices for February 14 and 15 surged beyond Rs 25,000. Business class tickets from South Indian cities to Colombo have reportedly touched Rs 1.5 lakh.
Hotels in Colombo, too, have witnessed sharp price hikes.
For some, it’s just another cricket match. For others, it’s worth crossing borders, weathering uncertainty and paying premium fares.
Because when India plays Pakistan, it’s not just a game, it’s an event that refuses to be missed.
