17 October,2011 10:10 AM IST | | Harit N Joshi
MCA to hand out additional pass to affiliated clubs for October 23 ODI
Clubs affiliated to the Mumbai Cricket Association will get an additional complimentary pass to watch the one-day international between India and England at the Wankhede Stadium on October 23. Clubs used to get two complimentary tickets apart from being granted tickets on application.
This move by the MCA is being viewed in some quarters as appeasing voters after the July 15 elections. "It could be a strategy to attract more votes," said former India all-rounder Karsan Ghavri, who lost out on a committee member's post in the elections.
The one-dayer is the first international to be played after the World Cup final on April 2 and the July 15 MCA elections. The additional pass (in the form of an identity card) will house the club representative in the Grand Stand which he will enter via a VIP entry.
However, MCA Jt Hon Secretary Dr P V Shetty denied that the increase from two to three complimentaries has anything to do with a reward for voters. "Many clubs requested for three complimentary tickets out of which, one should be for the hospitality stand. The Managing Committee accepted their request," said Dr Shetty.
To keep a track on the alleged selling of tickets by former cricketers, the MCA will issue a food coupon along with the ticket. "We have been informed that some former cricketers sold tickets during the World Cup and IPL. This time, we will issue a food coupon with the ticket.
"We will come to know whether the cricketer has come when he/she shows the coupon at the food counter. If someone else turns up on that ticket, strict action will be taken and no facilities will be provided," another
source said.
