Ticket(less) to IPL

KOCHI: The support for Kochi Tuskers Kerala was enormous at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium here the other night as they trampled Chennai Super Kings. But it has emerged that a huge number of spectators did not have valid tickets.

Sources told Express that the International Management Group — the conductors of the Indian Premier League — and the team owners were a worried lot as to how the stadium managed to fill up to more than 60 percent of its stated capacity of 55,000, given the low response to ticket-sales.

“The records show that only around 12,000 tickets have been sold. The complimentary tickets in total would come to around 8,000. By any stretch of imagination, not more than 20,000 people would have had proper tickets,” sources told Express. Even while accepting that there may have been VIPs and other guests of corporates and sponsors, officials reckon that anywhere between 10,000 and 15,000 fans may have got in without tickets.

“While the organisers are happy that there is tremendous enthusiasm, the trend in Kerala to try and sneak in for free is disturbing,” sources said.

Meanwhile, with the general public shying away from purchasing match-tickets, the organisers are planning to reduce ticket-rates from the next match onwards. Express has learnt that the franchise has decided, in principle, to reduce the minimum charge—for the second and third tier galleries—to Rs 300.

According to the current structure, the third tier tickets cost Rs 400 and the second tier tickets cost Rs 600. “The Rs 600 category will be erased and the second tier rates will be brought to the same level as the third-tier gallery,” sources said.

The rates for other categories were also expected to change, with chairs priced at Rs 1000 coming down to Rs 600 or 700 and those priced at Rs 1,200 and upwards being reduced in a corresponding manner. The organisers are hopeful that the move will bring more fans to buy tickets, instead of depending on complimentary passes or simply sneaking in through the 23 gates at the venue with the help of officials on duty, as has allegedly happened in the last two matches.

On Monday night, there was a susceptible increase in the number of spectators inside the venue after the rain delayed the proceedings for 95 minutes during the CSK innings.

“The fans also used an ingenious way of collecting tickets from friends and relatives inside the stadium and then using the same to help those waiting outside to get in,” source said.