The 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup has been the source of much excitement and anticipation for cricket fans worldwide. However, the recent emergence of a ticket black marketing scandal has cast a shadow over the forthcoming India-South Africa match scheduled for November 5 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The Kolkata Police have initiated an investigation into the alleged collusion between the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the online ticketing portal Bookmyshow. This scandal has left fans dismayed and raised questions about the fairness and accessibility of tickets.
The unraveling of this controversy began with a cricket fan’s complaint, received at Kolkata’s Maidan Police Station. The fan expressed concerns about possible collusion between CAB, BCCI officials, and Bookmyshow. The complaint alleged that a portion of tickets designated for the general public had been intentionally kept aside and made available to black-market dealers for financial gain.
The highly anticipated clash between the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team and the Temba Bavuma-led South African side is scheduled for one of the penultimate league-stage matches in the World Cup 2023. Eden Gardens, the iconic cricket venue, will not only host this match but also the second semi-final of the prestigious tournament on November 16. The excitement surrounding this event is palpable, making the ticketing controversy even more disheartening.
In response to the fan’s complaint, the Kolkata Police swiftly took action. On November 2, a notice was issued to the Cricket Association of Bengal requesting the assistance of a competent official in the investigation. Additionally, a notice was served to Bookmyshow, urging their cooperation in the inquiry. This proactive step by the police signals a commitment to ensuring transparency and fairness in the distribution of tickets.
To further address the issue, the Kolkata police arrested Ankit Agarwal for reselling tickets for the India-South Africa match. The original ticket price was Rs. 2,500 each, but Agarwal sold them for as much as Rs. 11,000 each. The arrest of Agarwal and the seizure of 20 tickets highlight the seriousness of the situation. The police have demonstrated their resolve in curbing black marketing.
“Ankit Agarwal was arrested for selling the ICC Cricket World Cup India Vs. South Africa match tickets worth Rs. 2500 at Rs. 11,000 each. Kolkata Police seized 20 tickets from his possession for the India Vs South Africa match, which will be held on November 5,” ANI posted.
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The ticket scandal has left many club members of the Cricket Association of Bengal frustrated and disheartened. Several members expressed their disappointment at not being able to secure seats for the India-South Africa game and the World Cup semi-final.
Arindam Kanti Biswas, a longtime life member of CAB, shared his sentiments, saying, “I am a life member cardholder of the Cricket Association of Bengal for the last 30 years. I and numerous other members have refused tickets for the India-South Africa game and the World Cup semi-final. We were notified that by October 24th, all members must renew their membership cards, according to a notification published in Anandbazar Patrika by CAB. I don’t read the paper, though. They could have sent us a letter or gotten in touch with us. This doesn’t seem right”.
The frustration among club members stems from the perceived need for more communication and transparency in the ticket allocation process. The controversy has prompted calls for greater openness in ticket distribution to ensure that genuine cricket enthusiasts have access to the matches.
