Act on sale of IPL tickets in black: HC

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court directs the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to review the complaint alleging that IPL tickets are being sold at an inflated rate illegally in the black market and take a decision on the same.

The first division bench comprising Chief Justice SV Gangapurwala and Justice J Sathya Narayana Prasad heard a PIL moved by a Chennai-based lawyer A Sathiya Prakash.

The PIL sought to direct the BCCI and Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) to take action to eradicate the sale of IPL tickets in the black market, during matches at MA Chidambaram Stadium at Chepauk.

The petitioner submitted that despite the cricket association having control over the sale of the tickets some anti-social elements purchased the tickets in bulk for all the matches held at MA Chidambaram stadium and sold them in the black market catering to surging demand among the fans.

Though the rules stipulate that only two tickets will be sold to a person, the black market mafia was able to purchase the tickets in bulk, added the petitioner.

The tickets for the lower stand of the stadium are sold at prices ranging from 14,000 to 16,000 in the black market, said the petitioner. Further, he added that no action has been taken by the BCCI and SDAT to his representation in this regard.

The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association submitted that as part of action against the sale of tickets in the black market, nearly 42 cases were booked and 54 accused were arrested in this regard.

After the submission, the bench directed BCCI and SDAT to consider the petitioner’s representation and take a decision. Further, the bench disposed of the petition.