PCB Announces Free & Low-Priced Tickets for Pakistan vs South Africa Test Series to Boost Attendance

As a significant move to restore fans' interest in Test cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has introduced free and low-cost tickets for the next two-Test series against South Africa. The series will be hosted in Lahore (October 12-16) and Rawalpindi (October 20-24).

This follows continued efforts to get fans to attend Test matches, where attendance has been dismal as much as empty seats have been witnessed despite the team's enhanced performances.

Test Cricket Meets Empty Seats in Pakistan

The issue was evident in Pakistan's 2-1 series victory over England. Even though players gave their all on the field, only an estimated 1,000 fans showed up to watch the first Test. Multan and Rawalpindi produced the same disappointing turnout for the subsequent matches.

To meet this challenge, the PCB has resolved to make stadium admission either free or very low-cost, making supporters from all avenues of life able to view live Test cricket once more.

Ticket Prices for Pakistan vs South Africa Tests

Here's the complete analysis of the new ticket price for both Tests:

First Test - Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (Oct 12–16)

• General, First-Class, Premium, VIP (main enclosures): Free
• VIP Iqbal & Jinnah End, Gallery: PKR 800-1,000 (₹350-₹440)
• Platinum Box: PKR 8,000 (first four days), PKR 10,000 (fifth day)

Second Test - Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (Oct 20–24):

• General, First-Class, Premium, VIP (major enclosures): Free
• PCB Gallery: PKR 800 (first four days), PKR 1,000 (fifth day)
• Platinum Box: PKR 8,000 (first four days), PKR 10,000 (fifth day)

By providing free entry in the majority of enclosures, PCB is looking to pack the stands and give red-ball cricket a boost of interest among the spectators.

Test Cricket's Popularity Decline in Asia

Pakistan's problem is not singular. In Asia, Test cricket has been facing attendance droughts. Even in India, where cricket is a religion, there has been very little fan support for recent Tests.

The opening Test against West Indies at Ahmedabad, India's largest stadium, saw thousands of vacant seats. Experts refer to the fact that the non-availability of stars such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli contributed to the poor turnout.

Interestingly, the contest at home between India A and Australia A in Kanpur on October 5 attracted a surprising number of spectators, indicating that the love for the game still lingers, but fans are picking and choosing what they watch live.

The task now for cricket boards such as the PCB and BCCI is to re-legitimize Test cricket in the era of T20, where instant gratification and high-speed games rule audience attention.

PCB's Bold Move to Bring the Fans Back

PCB's recent move is being regarded as a bold and timely measure to bring youngsters and families to the stadiums. With South Africa touring after a hiatus, the board is expecting a bid response and lively crowd support.

If it works, the free-ticket model would become a staple for home Tests, a new trend for Asian cricket boards attempting to resuscitate the traditional format.