Police on Sunday had to intervene and pacify angry cricket fans who went on a rampage at the Barabati Stadium after they were told all tickets had been sold out for the India-Sri lanka T20 International here on December 20.
The ticket seekers who had waiting from Saturday night in huge numbers to purchase tickets at the counters outside the stadium, smashed the windows of the counters , broke barricades and even hurled stones and abused the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA).
They alleged that not even a single ticket was sold since Sunday morning while the announcement about non-availability of tickets at the counters was made very late by officials of the private bank entrusted with the duty.
Many of them alleged that the OCA officials and the counter staff have kept the tickets for themselves, to be sold later in the black-market.
“I came yesterday evening and could not buy a ticket despite standing in a huge queue. Today again, I made it to the counter in the wee hours and yet could not get even one ticket. We had queued up here sleepless and skipping breakfast but the officials did not announce earlier that no more tickets were available. They announced it at 11 am after we stood in queue patiently since 5 am,” alleged a spectator.
Meanwhile, police have made elaborate security arrangement for the two teams’ arrival at the airport in Bhubaneswar on Monday, their stay at the hotel and from there to the Barabati Stadium.
The local police station Inspector-in-Charge said if they get any proof definitely action would be taken against the black marketers.
Meanwhile, police have made elaborate security arrangement for the two teams’ arrival at the airport in Bhubaneswar on Monday, their stay at the hotel and from there to the Barabati Stadium. Nearly 63 platoon of police force would be deployed in Cuttack and 18 platoons in Bhubaneswar.
The spectators have been advised not to carry water bottles or anything that can be used as a missile during the match, said police Commissioner YB Khurania.
police have made elaborate security arrangement for the two teams’ arrival at the airport in Bhubaneswar on Monday