The May 17 IPL clash between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala has emerged as one of the most sought-after sporting events of the season, with premium tickets reportedly selling between Rs 3,000 to Rs 50,000 per seat, says an insider.With cricket icon Virat Kohli expected to attract huge crowds and playoff stakes adding to the excitement, demand for tickets has far outstripped supply at the scenic mountain venue known for its limited seating capacity and breathtaking backdrop of the Dhauladhar ranges.The 23,000-capacity stadium has witnessed unprecedented demand, particularly for hospitality lounges, pavilion seats and corporate boxes.Though spectators get panoramic views of the mighty mountains from almost every stand, hospitality sections and corporate enclosures have become the most sought-after categories among fans and business groups and is termed as “hottest  event”.Travel portals and local hotel operators say accommodation in Dharamshala and nearby McLeodganj has nearly sold out for the weekend. Luxury hotels and boutique stays have witnessed sharp spikes in tariffs, with room prices doubling in some properties due to the cricket rush. Many visitors are also opting to stay in Kangra and Palampur because of limited room availability in Dharamshala.Taxi operators, too, are witnessing booming business. Local cab fares from Kangra Airport to Dharamshala and stadium shuttle routes have surged amid the heavy tourist inflow. Drivers said bookings for match day began nearly a week in advance, especially for airport pickups and late-night return journeys after the game.The excitement around the high-voltage encounter has also triggered a tourism and travel rush across Dharamshala and nearby towns.As reported earlier by The Tribune, travel operators said airfares on the sector, which usually hover between Rs 5,000 and Rs 7,000, have nearly tripled for match dates, ranging between Rs 18,000 and Rs 24,000.Travel industry experts attributed the fare surge to limited flight connectivity at Kangra airport coupled with a sudden spike in demand. Kangra airport handles around eight to 10 flight arrivals and departures daily, with the number increasing slightly on weekends. Prices typically soar whenever Dharamshala hosts major sporting or cultural events.The high-voltage fixture has also prompted elaborate traffic and security arrangements. Himachal Pradesh Police are expected to implement special traffic diversions, dedicated parking zones and shuttle movement plans to manage congestion around the stadium area.Security has been heightened further because Dharamshala is home to Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama and houses the Tibetan government-in-exile in nearby McLeodganj. Authorities routinely maintain tight security in the region during major international and high-footfall events.For many cricket lovers, the Dharamshala experience is not just about the match, but also about witnessing IPL action at one of the world’s most scenic cricket venues amid might mountains.IPL ticket pricingThe highest IPL ticket prices so far have usually been for VIP hospitality lounges, corporate boxes, and IPL Final matches.For recent IPL seasons, the most expensive publicly reported tickets have gone up to:Rs 40,000-Rs 50,000+ per seat for IPL Final and playoff VIP hospitality packages.Corporate boxes for premium matches can cross Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh+ per box, depending on stadium capacity and hospitality inclusions.For recent PBKS matches at Dharamshala:PBKS vs DC tickets started around Rs 2,750 and went up to Rs 15,000 for VVIP lounges.PBKS vs MI tickets reportedly started from Rs 3,000 onwards.High-demand PBKS vs RCB tickets saw resale discussions touching Rs 13,500 for East Stand seats.Fans on Reddit also reported that Dharamshala tickets sell out within minutes because the stadium capacity is only around 23,000.