P. Sara may run into problems
It seems that the second test match between Sri Lanka and England which is scheduled to be played at the P. Sara Oval on Tuesday may run into logistical problems.
For the first test match in Galle, the world famous 7000-8000 strong Barmy Army from England was at the grounds and the ramparts even willing to pay the high-end prices of Rs. 5000 and 7500 a ticket.
The tickets for this match have been priced at Rs.5000/-, 6000/- and 7500/-. However the Sunday Times learns that the P. Sara Oval can accommodate only around 4000 spectators and may not be able to accommodate the entire lot of English cricket fans who have flown all to the way to Sri Lanka to be a part of the action.
Now with Sri Lanka winning the first test there may be a section of Sri Lankans who are willing to pay this exorbi- tant price and witness the match, but, sadly if that happens there may be chaos.
When asked about this, the President of the Tamil Union Prakash Schaffter said, “It is a problem of Sri Lanka cricket. We have hired our ground to the SLC and they must know how to accommodate the people and stop the sale of tickets when the seats are full.”
When questioned about this development, Secretary of Sri Lanka Cricket Nishantha Ranatunga said, “The decision to hire the venue for the second test against England was taken before this committee took over. However even in the future we must initially ascertain the ticket demand during a tour and then decide on a venue.”
When the decision to have the P. Sara Oval as the venue for the second test against England was taken, Pra- kash Schaffter was the Secretary of the then Sri Lankan Cricket Interim Committee.
The high-end pricing may be a blessing in disguise as it may keep away a lot of homegrown fans. However the board secretary defended the pricing. He said a while ago a hotel room cost around $60. Now it has shot up to a dizzying 200 dollars and added, “To accommodate a contingent of this nature you need a back-up. This was a good chance to cushion the expenses and cut our losses.”
It was also learned that previously third parties used to purchase tickets that were on sale at nominal prices and include them in tour packages at the prices which are marked officially now.
Interestingly there was a section of the Barmy Army who took position at the Galle ramparts and watched the match free of charge in appalling conditions during the four days of the match.