Test Cricket’s Future in Jeopardy as Ticket Prices Soar
Former England cricketer and commentator David Lloyd has raised concerns about the future of Test cricket, citing the exorbitant ticket prices for the upcoming third Test between England and India at Lord’s next July.
Ticket prices have skyrocketed, with the most expensive seats reaching an astonishing £175 (Rs 19,557). Even the most affordable seats available for the first three days come at a steep price of £90 (around Rs 10,000), and these seats offer limited visibility of the event.
Lloyd expressed his dismay in a Daily Mail article, stating, “Paying that much for a seat where you can’t see the entire field is ridiculous. What might you miss? The batsman? A catch down at fine leg?”
He emphasized that Test cricket is in danger of becoming an event only for the elite, excluding regular fans who cannot afford such high prices. “Sure, it’s fun to spot celebrities in the crowd, but cricket needs to cater to everyone, not just the rich,” he said.
Lloyd believes that Lord’s is setting a trend for other cricket venues. If ticket prices at Lord’s range from £120 – £175 (around Rs 13,000 -Rs 19,000), it could lead to similar pricing strategies being adopted by other grounds.
He questioned the rationale behind the pricing, asking, “Who sets these prices? Who decides that £175 is fair? I’d love to know the answer.”
Lloyd highlighted the disparity between the luxurious experience at Lord’s and the more affordable atmosphere at other grounds. “At Lord’s, stewards collect champagne corks after every over. But, at places like Headingley, try throwing a can of Tetley’s over the boundary and see what happens!”
He concluded by expressing his concern for the everyday fan, who may be priced out of attending Test matches. “I’m speaking for the everyday fan. The kind who enjoys a football match with a pie and Bovril. For us, paying £120-£175 (for one day of cricket is outrageous. It feels like the MCC knows the price of everything, but the value of nothing. They’re risking losing the connection between this great England team and the public.”
