The allure of India's men's cricket team was on full display this week as two of their T20 World Cup matches were sold out within minutes of going on sale.
Tickets allocations for India vs. Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 23 sold out in under five minutes on Monday, while India's match at the Sydney Cricket Ground on October 27 was also sold out despite their opponent not yet being known.
Due to security concerns India and Pakistan don't currently play bilateral cricket, and their last game in Australia - at the Adelaide Oval during the 2015 ODI World Cup - was also sold out in minutes.
India boasts a 6-2 head-to-head record over Pakistan after the first T20 between the nations - in March 2007 - ended in a tie.
The teams met in the group stage of the T20 World Cup in Dubai in October, with Pakistan winning by 10 wickets before being defeated by Australia in the semi final.
Australia would go on to win the tournament - their first T20 World Cup.
India's October 27 clash with a yet-to-be-determined qualifier is the second match of a double-header at the SGC, following South Africa vs. Bangladesh.
After more than 200,000 tickets were snapped up for the tournament in the pre-sale period, tickets are now on sale to the public.
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Despite the sell-outs at the MCG on October 23 and SCG on October 27, hospitality and travel packages will still be available.
As per cricket.com.au, Tournament CEO Michelle Enright said that while the majority of tickets have been purchased by Australian residents, she's hopeful the recent announcement of Australia's re-opening of borders to international travellers will see tourists come for the event.
"We know that so far our ticket purchasers are predominantly residing in Australia, so to have two match-days with General Ticket allocations all sold that feature India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and South Africa shows the passion for cricket from fans in those communities," she said.
"With news of Australian borders starting to open to visitors from February 21, the timing is perfect for fans around the world to start planning a trip to Australia and be part of a global cricket celebration later this year."
The T20 World Cup begins on October 16 and runs through until November 13, with seven venues across the country hosting matches across the various stages of the tournament.
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