Cricket Australia has announced that the Indian fan zones at each of the eight venues for the upcoming white-ball series against India are fully sold out, highlighting the unprecedented demand to see two of cricket’s greatest superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma potentially play their last tour of Australia.
The confirmation is almost two months before the opening ODI in Perth on October 19, underscoring the unparalleled buzz created by the series. Tickets for Sydney and Canberra matches have also been sold out in advance to the public, Cricket Australia informs.
Huge Fan Response
“Excitement has exceeded expectations,” Executive General Manager of Events & Operations at Cricket Australia, Joel Morrison, said.
We are ecstatic at the incredible enthusiasm for the Indian fan zones selling out at all eight grounds. The passion from the fans is a testament to the unique rivalry between Australia and India. We are excited for a lively atmosphere in the stands and a world-class battle on the field between two cricketing giants,” Morrison stated in a statement.
The fan zones, traditionally reserved to provide a home environment for travelling supporters, will be standing room only with the tricolour flying high all over Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Gold Coast and Brisbane.
The Virat-Rohit Factor
The tour assumes special importance as it may well be the last time Kohli and Rohit are involved in Australia. Kohli, who is 36, and Rohit, 38, have already retired from Test cricket and T20 internationals, restricting themselves to playing only ODIs. With India’s next Australian tour not until 2028, there is a growing perception that this might be the last opportunity for Australian fans and touring Indian fans to see the duo play Down Under.
While neither player has confirmed retirement timelines from ODIs, age and workload management remain critical factors. The possibility of this being their farewell tour has only amplified demand for tickets.
For many fans, memories of Kohli’s iconic knock at the MCG during the 2022 T20 World Cup and Rohit’s numerous match-winning innings in Australian conditions make this tour an emotional occasion.
Series Schedule
India is set to play three ODIs and five T20Is, with the tour commencing in Perth and concluding at the Gabba. The entire itinerary is as below:
- October 29: Manuka Oval, Canberra (N)
- October 31: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne (N)
- November 2: Bellerive Oval, Hobart (N)
- November 6: Gold Coast Stadium, Gold Coast (N)
- November 8: The Gabba, Brisbane (N)
Rivalry That Defines an Era
India-Australia matches have always attracted huge crowds and global attention, from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Tests to intense limited-overs series. With a mix of youth and experience, the series holds out the promise of another installment of high-intensity cricket.
For Indian supporters, however, the focus will continue to be intensely on Kohli and Rohit. If this indeed is their last tour of Australia, the hosting of full houses will be a befitting tribute to two greats who have transformed the global profile of Indian cricket.
