CSK fans BLANKED out as ticket sales in black market go through the roof!
Follow Us
Four-time IPL champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are once again surrounded by controversy. It’s no mystery that the Chennai-based franchise has a massive fan following. Although CSK was banned for two years (2016-17) over a fixing scandal, the franchise did not lose any of its fans. The bond between CSK and its fans even grew stronger with every passing season and as the Indian Premier League (IPL) returned to its old format (home and away) this season, the fans were eager to cheer for their team from the stadium.
A few glimpses of what was coming everyone’s way were seen during CSK’s practice session. Hundreds of fans came to Chepauk just to watch CSK practice. But when the stadium hosted its first match of the season, the stands were almost empty. The reason is CSK match tickets are being sold on the black market.
Reports have emerged that match tickets for Chepauk Stadium are being sold in the black market at five to eight times higher prices. A TOI report has claimed that tickets that cost INR 750 are being sold for INR 5000. The report further claimed that only 40% of total available tickets are put on sale, the rest are being sold to sponsors.
“Apart from limited counter sales, seats in only four stands were opened for online booking. Rest was given to corporates, celebrities, government officials and event administrators,” S Vimal, an ardent CSK fan was quoted saying by TOI.
Related: MS Dhoni set to achieve another milestone, to play his 200th match as CSK captain
CSK owners can do nothing!
The report also quoted CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan on the matter. Kasi said that they are committed to providing tickets to the sponsors and can do nothing about black market sales. He further revealed that they have the commitment to provide 20% of the total tickets to the BCCI and the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA). Besides this, 13,000 tickets are given to TNCA (division) clubs.
“So, we are able to sell only 15,000 tickets and they go in no time. There is nothing much we can do about black market sales. We are committed to share these tickets with sponsors,” said Viswanathan.
Meanwhile, fans are not happy with all of this as Twitter is flooded with reactions.
It’s worth mentioning that there has been no official statement in this regard from the CSK stakeholders.
In case you missed!
- “Misleading the youths of the country,” social activist from Bihar files PIL against Sourav Ganguly, Rohit Sharma, and Hardik Pandya
- “Are bas kar yaar”- Rohit Sharma stops Tilak Varma midway through live interview
Stay Updated!
Ritesh Pathak
(2150 Articles Published)