Ticket Prices Surge for Lord's 2024 Test Against India

Ticket prices for next year's Lord's Test between India and England have increased once again, despite heavy criticism directed at the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) for the high costs during this summer’s Test against Sri Lanka.

For the first three days of the India Test, starting on July 10, 2024, the cheapest tickets available are restricted-view seats priced at £90 for adults (£20 for under-16s). Seats with an unrestricted view range from £120 to £175 (£40-£50 for under-16s).

These prices are even higher than those for the Sri Lanka Test last month, where unrestricted-view tickets cost between £115 and £140 for adults, with concessions priced between £15 and £40. 

The Sri Lanka Test, which ended on the fourth day, saw only 9,000 tickets sold—about one-third of Lord's capacity. This low turnout partly reflected England's fast-paced style of Test cricket, which has led to many matches finishing early. MCC faced additional criticism for failing to offer discounted entry until after tea on day four, when ticket prices dropped to £15 for adults and £5 for children, though by that time, only three Sri Lanka wickets remained. The lack of prior notice for these discounts also affected ticket sales.

England's stand-in captain, Ollie Pope, noted the subdued atmosphere during the match, expressing surprise at the quietness in the stadium. "It felt strange with the lack of crowd noise," he commented, adding that it was disappointing not to have a full house for what was an exciting day of cricket.

Despite MCC CEO Guy Lavender announcing a review of the fourth-day pricing policy, next year’s India Test offers little reprieve for fans. While under-16s can attend for £25 (half the price of the first three days), adult tickets with full views will still range from £90 to £150.

The MCC defended the pricing, citing India as the second-biggest draw after Australia in the English Test calendar. They argue that the prices reflect high demand, in line with policies seen in other major sports. For comparison, top-tier tickets for the 2023 Ashes Test were priced at £170, representing a small increase of £5.

Additionally, Lord’s will host the World Test Championship final in June, likely to feature India and Australia. Ticket prices for this event will range between £70 and £130 for adults, with under-16s charged £20-£50.

Meanwhile, a men’s ODI against South Africa at Lord's in 2025 will cost between £75 and £150, while tickets for a women’s ODI between England and India that same year will be priced between £25 and £45.