The ticket prices recently announced by the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) for the India-England ODI match to be played at Barabati Stadium on February 9 have put paid to the excitement of cricket lovers. 

Cricket enthusiasts alleged they have to cough up an exorbitant price to watch the match from the galleries as the OCA has increased the ticket prices by nearly 1.5 times. 

The Barabati Stadium last witnessed an ODI on December 22, 2019. It was played between India and West Indies. Since an ODI has returned to the stadium after a long gap, cricket fans are very excited. However, the OCA’s ticket prices announced on Sunday have left them a dejected lot. 

“Cricket fans are excited that after a long gap, Barabati Stadium has got an ODI. But the prices of the tickets have been increased so much that they can’t afford them. We request the OCA to reconsider its decision regarding ticket prices,’ said a cricket lover. 

This time, except for Gallery No-7, the ticket prices of all the other galleries have crossed Rs 1000.  

At the time of the last match between India and West Indies, the ticket price of Gallery 1 and 3 was Rs 600 each. This time, they are Rs 1200 each. Similarly, the ticket price for Gallery 2 and 4 is Rs 1000, up from Rs 500 in the last match. 

Likewise, to enjoy the match from Gallery no 6, one has to pay Rs 1200, an increase of Rs 800 from its previous price of Rs 400. 
At the same time, the ticket prices of the special enclosure, new pavilion, air-conditioned box and corporate box have been hiked from Rs 3000, Rs 5000, Rs 5000 and Rs 5000 to Rs7000, Rs 10000, Rs 9000 and Rs 20000 respectively. 

Most importantly, the concession earlier given to cricketers has also been discontinued which miffed the players. 

“They are not giving tickets to the former cricketers, let alone passes. Common people opt for galleries so their prices shouldn’t have been hiked so much. They should revise it,” said Pawan Agarwal, former Ranji cricketer. 

On the other hand, OCA secretary Sanjay Behera justified the price hike, saying the increase in ancillary expenses forced them to do so.

“During these three years, the price of every commodity has increased. What is wrong with increasing the ticket prices?” he asked. 
On discontinuance of players’ concession, he said, “Player concession should be given to players. But we have discontinued it because black marketers sell those tickets in the open market.”