As cricket fever hits crescendo, touts mint money by selling tickets at double the price for upcoming Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore match that will be played at Chinnaswamy on April 12
As cricket fever hits crescendo, touts mint money by selling tickets at double the price for upcoming Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore match that will be played at Chinnaswamy on April 12
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| One please: People reached the stadium even before the counter was thrown open. They were seen waiting in long queues to buy tickets. Pic/Ramesh HS |
Hordes of cricket crazy fans flocked the Chinnaswamy stadium to book their tickets for the fourth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). While they waited for hours in the queue, some bought tickets from touts for double the price.
"I got a bit late. By the time I reached here, hundred of people had queued up to buy tickets. As I didn't want to take any chances, I bought a Rs 1,650 ticket for Rs 4,000 from a person selling it in black," said Harish Ravindran, an IT professional.
A tout, refusing to reveal his identity, said that he had sold tickets same tickets for as high as Rs 5,000.
In demand
According to officials, more than 3,000 tickets were sold on the first day for the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore match, which will be played on April 12.
"Even before we opened the counter, people were here waiting for sale to start. We have sold nearly 1,000 tickets worth Rs 33,000 each in two hours. If we get the same response, tickets worth Rs 275 will get over within two days," said an official at a ticket counter.
The prices of tickets range from Rs 275 and go up to Rs 33,000. Tickets worth Rs 275 will be sold at two per person. Also, tickets for students are priced at Rs 220.
Cricket crazy"I have come from Mysore Road and have been waiting here since 8.30 am for tickets. I have never missed any match that has been played at Chinnaswamy stadium," said S Ramanath, a retired state government employee.
Madhav Das, a driver said that he has been saving up for the last three months to come with his family and watch the match between these two particular teams.
On the other hand, there were people like J Manjunath, a Central government employee, who bought 10 tickets worth Rs 33,000 each for the upcoming match.
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"I and my family never miss any IPL match. Though I'm a big fan for Sachin, I wish RCB the best for the match, but I am big fan of Sachin," said Manjunath.
