Global Firms Splurge on Advertising for Historic India-Pakistan Cricket Match in the US
India-Pakistan clash could fetch $4,800 a second, Global firms are heavily investing in advertising for the highly anticipated cricket match between India and Pakistan, set to take place on June 9 during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at New York’s Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. This historic event marks the first time the tournament is being held in the United States, with matches also scheduled in Caribbean nations.
India-Pakistan clash could fetch $4,800 a second, A Venue Built for a Historic Clash
The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, constructed in just three months using modular stands from the Formula 1 Grand Prix arena in Las Vegas, will host this epic showdown. The significance of the match is amplified by Pakistan’s shocking defeat to the US on Thursday, giving a major boost to the host nation, which is playing in its first-ever World Cup and ranked 18th in the world behind Nepal and the UAE.
India-Pakistan clash could fetch $4,800 a second, Premium Advertising Slots
Advertising slots for the India-Pakistan match are fetching premium prices, with 10-second slots selling for up to 4 million rupees ($48,000), according to Santosh N., managing partner at D&P Advisory, which specialises in sports valuation services. In comparison, 10-second slots for other India games average around 2 million rupees. For context, a 30-second Super Bowl ad costs about $6.5 million, while a similar slot during the 2022 football World Cup in the UK cost approximately £400,000 ($511,000).
India-Pakistan clash could fetch $4,800 a second, Major Sponsors and Peak Viewership
Multinational companies like Emirates Group, Saudi Aramco, and Coca-Cola Co. are among the sponsors for the month-long tournament. The matches are scheduled to coincide with peak viewership hours in South Asian countries. For instance, the India-Pakistan match will be played at 10:30 am in New York, making it prime time in India.
Cricket’s Growing Popularity in the US
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is aiming to boost the sport’s global appeal ahead of its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Cricket already enjoys a substantial fan base in the US, thanks to the large South Asian diaspora. Prominent tech leaders such as Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, and Shantanu Narayen have been vocal supporters, with some investing in Major League Cricket in the US, which follows the same T20 format.
India-Pakistan clash could fetch $4,800 a second, High Demand for Tickets
Interest in the India-Pakistan clash is sky-high, with tickets reportedly 200 times oversubscribed, according to the ICC. Despite high demand, the tournament has seen underwhelming attendance so far, with many matches played to near-empty stadiums. Players from South Africa and India have also criticised the pitch at Nassau County as being unsuitable for the T20 format.
Anticipation Builds for the Super 8 Round
Cricket journalist Ayaz Memon noted that the real excitement will begin with the Super 8 round, where stronger teams face off. This stage of the tournament is expected to draw larger crowds and more intense competition.
High Resale Prices
Tickets for the India-Pakistan match, originally priced between $6 and $25, are being resold for as much as $3,500 on the secondary market. This surge in prices highlights the immense demand and excitement surrounding the game.
Conclusion
The historic India-Pakistan clash in New York is set to be a landmark event, drawing significant global attention and advertising revenue. With a blend of historic rivalry, high stakes, and strong support from the South Asian diaspora, the match promises to be a thrilling spectacle.
