Administration seeks reply from MPCA over alleged irregularities in India–New Zealand match ticket sale

Indore: District administration has sought a formal explanation from the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) over alleged irregularities in the sale of tickets for the India–New Zealand match held at Holkar Stadium on Jan 18.The action followed a complaint lodged during a public hearing by former corporator Sanjay Kataria, who raised concerns about the rapid sell-out of tickets and possible black marketing.Taking cognisance of the complaint, the district administration issued a letter to MPCA secretary Sudhir Asnani, directing him to clarify within three days whether any procedural lapses occurred during the ticket sale process.All tickets for the match were sold online through a ticketing website. Prices ranged from Rs 800 to Rs 9000. After allotments under student concessions and the quota for persons with disabilities, general ticket sales began at 5 am on Jan 3. According to official information, the entire stock sold out within about 1 hour and 43 minutes."We will reply to the letter by Saturday. We have minute-to-minute details of the sale. Even though the complaint says tickets sold out in one minute, the sale lasted for 1 hour 43 minutes," MPCA secretary Sudhir Asnani told TOI.Several spectators, however, reported technical difficulties. There were also allegations that tickets were later black marketed at nearly three times their original price. Police reportedly detained some individuals for illegal resale. The administration asked MPCA to detail the ticketing procedure and confirm whether safeguards were in place.