Hotel prices jump 400% before India-NZ final

The match has drawn thousands of supporters from across India and abroad, triggering a travel rush that has pushed hotel demand and prices sharply upward

Hotel prices jump 400% before India-NZ final
India's Jasprit Bumrah (left) and Axar Patel during a training session on the eve of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final cricket match between India and New Zealand, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarati capital of Ahmedabad on Saturday. Photo: PTI

Hotel room prices in India’s western city of Ahmedabad have surged dramatically ahead of the T20 World Cup final between India national cricket team and New Zealand national cricket team, with accommodation rates rising by as much as 300–400% due to an unprecedented influx of cricket fans.

The high-stakes final is set to take place on Sunday at the massive Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket stadium. The match has drawn thousands of supporters from across India and abroad, triggering a travel rush that has pushed hotel demand and prices sharply upward, reports Press Trust of India (PTI).

Industry representatives say rooms that usually cost between Rs 5,000 and Rs 20,000 per night are now being offered for as much as Rs 15,000 to Rs 50,000, depending on location and proximity to the stadium.

According to Narendra Somani, president of the Hotels and Restaurants Association of Gujarat, the surge in tariffs reflects overwhelming demand ahead of the championship match weekend.

“Hotels across the city are seeing extremely high booking rates because of the final,” he said, adding that properties located close to the stadium have experienced the sharpest price hikes.

The surge has made it difficult for late planners to secure reasonably priced accommodation, particularly in neighborhoods near the stadium. However, hotel operators argue that the price rise is a natural response to exceptional demand.

The final has also given a strong boost to the city’s tourism industry. Restaurants, transportation providers and local businesses are reporting increased activity as cricket enthusiasts pour into the city.

Beyond the match, visitors are also exploring several popular attractions in Ahmedabad, including the historic Sabarmati Ashram and the bustling Manek Chowk market area known for its vibrant street food scene.

Tourism officials say the surge highlights the growing influence of sports tourism in India, where major cricket tournaments attract large numbers of domestic and international visitors.

With the city preparing for one of the biggest nights in world cricket, Ahmedabad is expected to witness one of its busiest tourism weekends in recent years as fans gather to watch the much-anticipated final.

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