PCB to refund Rawalpindi match tickets with specific conditions applied
What's the story
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced ticket refunds for two Champions Trophy 2025 matches. Both were games that were to take place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The matches were Australia vs South Africa (Feb 25) and Bangladesh vs Pakistan which were abandoned without a ball being bowled due to continuous rain. This decision follows the ICC's refund policy for washed-out matches. However, the PCB has outlined specific conditions for fans to claim refunds. Here's more.
Refund criteria
Refund eligibility and process outlined by PCB
The PCB has listed certain conditions that ticket holders need to fulfill to get a refund in a statement released by the board. These are: presenting an original/untouched ticket as proof of purchase and visiting select TCS outlets in person to get the refund. However, those who bought hospitality tickets (boxes and the PCB gallery) aren't eligible for refunds. Meanwhile, the board has given a five-day window (March 10-14) for eligible ticket holders to claim refunds at TCS outlets.
Criticism faced
PCB faces backlash over tournament management
The PCB has been under fire after multiple washouts in the ongoing Champions Trophy. The criticism grew louder after a group stage match between Afghanistan and Australia was called off after just 30 minutes of rain in Lahore during the second innings. Conditions at the Lahore Stadium were deemed unsafe for ground staff, with one member slipping and falling while removing water from the playing area on February 28.
Brand impact
Champions Trophy performance impacts Pakistan's brand value
The Champions Trophy's management issues and Pakistan's underperformance, including a loss to India, have marred the tournament's appeal and invited criticism toward the PCB's leadership. Notably, Pakistan are hosting an ICC event after 29 years. However, despite all this, the PCB has worked hard to make the event a success by providing top-notch security measures and facilities to visiting teams and officials. The board has also spent nearly ₹1.8 billion on stadium upgrades, hoping for long-term benefits for Pakistani cricket.
Twitter Post
X post on the PCB's official handle confirming the same
PCB announces ticket refunds for the two ICC #ChampionsTrophy 2025 matches that were abandoned without a ball being bowled at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 1, 2025
More details⤵️https://t.co/RmypdMHjsC