Lord’s Test Ticket Prices Soar Again, Sparking Criticism
Despite facing backlash for exorbitant ticket prices during the recent Sri Lanka Test, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has announced another price hike for next year’s Lord’s Test against India.
For the first three days of the India Test, starting July 10, 2024, the cheapest adult tickets are restricted-view seats priced at £90 each, while under-16s can purchase them for £20. Tickets with a clear line of sight range from £120 to £175 for adults and £40 to £50 for under-16s.
These prices are significantly higher than those for the Sri Lanka Test in August 2023, where unrestricted views cost between £115 and £140 for adults and £15 to £40 for concessions.
The Sri Lanka Test concluded on the fourth day, with only 9,000 tickets sold, approximately one-third of the stadium’s capacity. This was partly attributed to England’s fast-paced approach to Test cricket, resulting in several recent matches ending well before the final day.
MCC faced further criticism for not offering reduced-entry options until after tea on the fourth day, when prices dropped to £15 for adults and £5 for under-16s. However, by that time, only three Sri Lanka wickets remained, and the lack of advance notice prevented a significant increase in attendance.
England’s stand-in captain, Ollie Pope, expressed disappointment over the subdued atmosphere during the Sri Lanka Test. “It was just like ‘jeez, it seems quiet today’,” he said. “It’s a shame it wasn’t a full house because it was obviously a good day’s play.”
Despite MCC’s announcement of a review into its fourth-day pricing policy, there is little concession for fans hoping to attend on that day for the India Test. Under-16s will be admitted for £25, half the cost of the first three days, but tickets with a full view will still cost £90 to £150.
MCC’s rationale is that India is now the second-biggest draw in the English Test calendar, behind Australia, and the prices reflect the expected demand. This policy is in line with other sports, where ticket prices are adjusted based on the popularity of the event.
Lord’s is also set to host the World Test Championship final in June 2025, which is likely to feature India and Australia, a rematch of the 2023 final. Tickets for that match are priced between £70 and £130 for adults and £20 to £50 for under-16s.
England and India will also play a women’s ODI at Lord’s in 2025, with adult tickets ranging from £25 to £45. In contrast, the men’s ODI against South Africa will cost between £75 and £150.
