26,000 Tickets in 48 Hours: India Tour Creates a Massive Cricket Frenzy in New Zealand

India’s upcoming multi-format tour of New Zealand is already generating enormous excitement, with a record 26,000 tickets sold within the first 48 hours of the host board’s exclusive pre-sale.

The 12-match tour, beginning in October, has become the biggest draw yet in New Zealand Cricket’s Cricket Nation members’ pre-sale, highlighting the massive appeal of the Indian team among cricket fans across the country.

The strongest early demand has come for the white-ball matches at Auckland’s Eden Park, while fans in Christchurch and Wellington have also rushed to secure their seats.

Christchurch’s Hagley Oval, which has a capacity of around 9,000, is expected to be packed for the first two T20 Internationals on October 22 and 24. Demand is also strong for the second and final Test, scheduled from November 27 to December 1.

Wellington is witnessing similar enthusiasm, with the city set to host the third T20I and the second ODI, while the historic Basin Reserve will stage the opening Test from November 19.

New Zealand Cricket chief marketing and commercial officer Glenn Critchley said the response showed that fans had taken the advice to book early seriously.

He said the India tour offered New Zealand supporters a rare opportunity to experience the atmosphere surrounding matches involving some of the biggest stars in world cricket.

With the general public ticket sale scheduled to begin on September 7, the early rush suggests that several venues could be heading towards sell-outs well before the Indian team takes the field.

New Zealand Cricket has kept ticket prices unchanged from the previous season, with Cricket Nation members also receiving a 15 per cent discount.