SAFF offers 50% ticket discount for Sunday's matches

Organisers of the SAFF Championship are offering a 50% discount on tickets for Sunday's matches in a bid to attract more spectators after large sections of the National Stadium remained empty on the opening day.

Although more then 12 thousands spectators attended Thursday's opening day, several sections of the morethen 25 thousands-capacity stadium were left largely deserted. The sight was in stark contrast to last year's Bangladesh-India AFC qualifying match at the same venue, when the stands were packed and many fans were left outside, with some even breaking through the gates in an attempt to enter.

The relatively poor turnout has now prompted the organisers to reduce ticket prices, although the offer will initially apply only to matches involving foreign teams.

Pakistan will face Maldives in Sunday's opening match, before Sri lanka take on the Bhutan. Spectators will be able to watch both matches at half the usual ticket price.

"We are offering a 50% discount on tickets for Sunday's matches. We want this news to reach as many people as possible," said Sajib Rashid, chief executive officer of event organiser TSA Sports and Entertainment.

However, the bigger question for local football fans is whether the same discount will be available when Bangladesh take the field on 11 November. With supporters eager to watch the home side, ticket prices for Bangladesh's matches have become a talking point, particularly after the opening-day turnout.

Asked whether ticket prices would also be reduced for Bangladesh's match, Rashid offered no immediate assurance.

"I have not received any decision yet on whether ticket prices for Bangladesh's matches will be reduced. If a decision is made, we will certainly announce it," he said.

The absence of physical ticket booths has also become a source of frustration for supporters. Despite tickets remaining available online, the organisers have not set up any offline sales points outside the stadium, leaving fans with no option but to purchase them through the online platform.

Meanwhile, ticket touts were seen selling tickets at inflated prices outside Gates 3 and 4 of the National Stadium on the opening day, adding to concerns among spectators.

Asked why the organisers had not introduced a ticket booth to make it easier for ordinary fans and protect them from such practices, the organisers stood by their decision.

They described the online-only ticketing system as a "strategic call", arguing that dealing with ticket touting outside the stadium was the responsibility of law enforcement agencies. They also made it clear that the presence of black-market sellers would not force them to abandon their ticketing policy and introduce offline sales.

With the tournament now under way, the battle to fill the stands has become almost as much a talking point as the football itself. Sunday's discounted tickets will provide an early test of whether lower prices can bring more supporters through the gates, while attention will remain on whether organisers offer a similar concession ahead of Bangladesh's next match on 11 November.