Fans book hospital beds as hotel tariffs reach new heights ahead of India-Pakistan clash in Ahmedabad
Fans are opting for hospital rooms, which can cost between INR 3,000 and INR 25,000 for a 24-hour stay, including food and a medical exam.
As excitement builds for the much-awaited India versus Pakistan match in the upcoming World Cup, cricket fans face an unexpected hurdle in the form of exorbitant hotel prices in Ahmedabad. With rates surpassing INR 50,000 per night, attending the high-stakes match has become a costly affair.
However, fans have come up with a unique solution to tackle this predicament, reaching out to hospitals near the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera for accommodation during the event.
Hospital authorities have reported an influx of inquiries from passionate cricket fans seeking a one or two-night stay at their facilities. The cost of these stays ranges from Rs 3,000 to Rs 25,000, with the package usually comprising food and a comprehensive medical examination.
For fans, this twin-sharing option, where a patient and an attendant can stay together, presents a more affordable alternative to the escalating hotel prices, which have risen up too much.
“Since it’s a hospital, they are asking for a full-body check-up and an overnight stay so both of their purposes are fulfilled, saving money on lodging and getting their health check done,” Dr Paras Shah, Director of Sannidhya Multi Speciality Hospital in Bhopal was quoted as saying by Sportstiger.
Hospitals’ medical director, Dr Nikhil Lala, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “We too are getting inquiries for 24-48 hours stays in our hospital, particularly around October 15, as we also have a full-body check-up package.” He added, “This is due to the upcoming World Cup India-Pakistan match that is scheduled on October 15. Like at our hospitals, the situation seems the same in other city hospitals too. So, we are thinking about coming out with other health packages.”
India Pakistan clash is renowned as one of the most anticipated events in the cricketing world. As the arch-rivals rarely engage in bilateral series, ICC Tournaments and Asia Cups remain the only tournaments where fans witness this intense showdown. The previous encounter between the two teams during the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia was a thrilling affair, with India emerging victorious off the very last ball.
2023’s World Cup clash, scheduled for October 15, will mark India’s third match of the World Cup, following their encounters with Australia and Afghanistan. With the fervour surrounding the match reaching a fever pitch, the unconventional accommodation strategy chosen by cricket enthusiasts highlights their unwavering passion and commitment to witness this historic event.
As fans continue to explore innovative ways to experience the India-Pakistan World Cup showdown, the cricketing world awaits the clash of the titans with bated breath.