As excitement builds for the big match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), fans are rushing to get tickets for the game at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This highly anticipated IPL clash promises thrilling cricket and a packed stadium, creating a buzz all over Bengaluru. However, the huge demand for tickets has led to a problem: many are being sold illegally at very high prices.
An RCB fan reported purchasing a ticket on May 17 and noted significant price inflation, with tickets originally priced at ₹4,800 being sold for ₹15,000, and those priced at ₹2,990 going for ₹13,000. This surge in prices escalated even further on May 18, the day of the match, according to The Hindu.
Allegedly, tickets were being sold on the black market at various locations including Cubbon Road, Queens Road, Tonic Signal, and near Cubbon Park metro station. Notably, on Queens Road, complimentary tickets—normally provided for free to members of the Karnataka State Cricket Association—were being sold for as much as ₹14,000, it added.
Tickets were reportedly being sold over the phone as well. Sellers, who obtained the tickets in bulk through intermediaries, were offering them at prices between ₹11,000 and ₹16,000. According to another cricket enthusiast, after contacting a seller by phone, buyers were required to make payment before receiving the tickets in person from a delivery agent.
Why so much craze for RCB vs CSK match?
In match number 68, on Saturday, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This will be the elimination match as one team will qualify for the playoff while the other will be out.
Amidst the excitement, defending champions CSK, with a net run rate (14 points, NRR 0.528), are clear favorites, having only lost to the home side once in eight matches at this venue. RCB, with 12 points and a net run rate of 0.387, pose a strong challenge. However, the drama escalates with the forecast of rain. A rainout might see CSK sailing into the playoffs, whereas RCB faces the daunting task of clinching victory by a margin of at least 18 runs or chasing down the target with roughly 11 balls to spare. This scenario adds an additional level of suspense to the already high-stakes match.