Saturday, March 29, 2025
Bengaluru: March 25, 2026
Even before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, heavy resentment is being witnessed among cricket fans. Tickets for the high-profile clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), scheduled for March 28, vanished within minutes of going on sale. Thousands of fans who had been waiting on the online portal for hours were met with disappointment upon seeing the ‘Sold Out’ message. Many users complained that despite reaching the payment page, their tickets were not confirmed, raising serious questions about the transparency of the ticketing system.
The match is set to be played at Bengaluru’s historic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, which has a capacity of approximately 40,000 spectators. Notably, cricket is returning to this venue under strict security protocols following a tragic stampede during a title celebration in June 2025, which claimed 11 lives. In an emotional gesture, the RCB administration has decided to reserve 11 seats in the stadium in memory of the fans who lost their lives last year.
The ticket pricing this season has also left many stunned. Prices start at a minimum of ₹3,750 and go up to ₹47,000 for the VVIP section.
Key grievances from fans on social media (X):
Technical Glitches: Users reported being kicked off the site during the checkout process.
Black Marketing: Allegations have surfaced regarding tickets being diverted to middlemen or VVIPs before reaching the general public.
Lack of Transparency: Fans are demanding an explanation for how thousands of tickets disappeared in mere seconds.
As of now, neither the ticketing partner nor the franchise has issued an official statement regarding these technical flaws or the public’s concerns.
