nooh M.
Google
We went to watch the Pakistan vs Australia match at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, but the experience was extremely bad and a complete waste of time.
We purchased paid tickets online almost 10 days before the match. On match day, we reached Lahore around 4:00 PM, but we were told to go to a specific TCS branch to get our tickets printed. When we reached the TCS office, we were shocked to see a huge crowd and a very long line, even though the match had already started at 4:00 PM.
Despite this, we decided to wait in line. After a long wait, we finally received our tickets and then headed towards the stadium. It was a very long walk, and our gate was No. 7. When we reached Gate No. 7, the security guard told us that the enclosure was full and there was no entry. We were redirected to Gates 10–11.
When we reached Gates 10–11, the security staff there told us there was also no entry and sent us back to Gate No. 7. This back-and-forth was extremely frustrating. By this time, the first innings of the T20 match had already finished and the second innings had started, yet we still could not enter the stadium.
When we returned to Gate No. 7 again, the security staff offered no help and repeatedly said it was a full house with no entry allowed. Around 40+ people were waiting at the gate with valid tickets. We had bought our tickets 10 days in advance with seat numbers, so how could the enclosure already be full?
This was very embarrassing and disappointing as a Pakistani cricket fan.
After a long wait, we were finally told to form a line and that entry would be opened. When we entered the enclosure, there were no seats available at all. Many people were watching the match while standing. Unfortunately, we also had to watch the match standing until a few people left and seats became available.
This entire experience was extremely disappointing and frustrating as a Pakistani national and cricket fan. What is PCB doing to improve match management? This was truly pathetic. Because of this experience, we never plan to watch matches in Pakistan again.