Back in play: The IPL pass racket – tehelka.com

Intro for cover story: Despite a police crackdown in 2023, the illegal sale of IPL complimentary passes is back—this time with brokers targeting fans seeking high-end corporate boxes. A report by Tehelka SIT
In 2023, Tehelka exposed the sale of Complimentary Passes—clearly marked Not for Sale—as part of a racket linked to IPL matches. Soon after the story broke, the Delhi Police swung into action and busted gangs selling fake IPL tickets and reselling original ones in black outside the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in Delhi. They seized 104 tickets, including 80 fakes.
One would have thought this crackdown would put a full stop to the black-marketing of IPL tickets, especially Complimentary Passes. But after a brief lull in 2024, the brokers have returned in 2025—this time with a high-end twist. They are now offering prestigious Old Club House (OCH) Corporate Box 01 Complimentary Passes—again, Not for Sale—with unlimited buffet and beer, priced at Rs 40,000 per pass.
A Tehelka reporter received several calls and WhatsApp messages from a Gurgaon-based broker, currently employed with a reputed Indian airline, offering these OCH Corporate Box Complimentary Passes at Rs 40,000 each. Last time, Tehelka uncovered a nexus involving standard Complimentary Passes. This year, it’s the turn of the elite corporate boxes—whether OCH or West Corporate—whose tickets are now openly sold in the market by brokers.
 “If you want Old Club House (OCH) Corporate Box Complimentary Passes for the IPL match in Delhi on 29th April 2025 between Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders, you’ll need to pay me 70% advance. I won’t invest from my own pocket. One pass, including buffet, will cost you between Rs 40,000 to Rs 45,000,” said Pankaj Verma, a broker, to Tehelka’s undercover reporter.
 “I have two West Corporate Box 09 tickets for the 29th April match in Delhi. The original price is Rs 27,000 per ticket, but they’re available in black for Rs 40,000 each—with unlimited buffet and beer. I currently have two tickets, and I’m arranging the third,” Pankaj told Tehelka.
 “If you only want OCH Corporate Box 01 Complimentary Passes for the 29th April match in Delhi, I have those too. I’ve got three passes with me, priced at Rs 40,000 each,” Pankaj said to the reporter.
“If you’re seeking three OCH Corporate Box 01 Complimentary Passes for the 29th April match, then you’ll have to pay me Rs 84,000 in advance—70% of Rs 1,20,000 for three passes at Rs 40,000 each,” Pankaj added.
Pankaj Verma is a resident of East Delhi. Due to his airline job, he shifted to Gurgaon in 2019, while his parents continued to live in East Delhi. According to Pankaj, he is presently employed with a reputed Indian airline as a senior manager. Alongside his airline job, Pankaj also acts as a broker, selling not only regular and complimentary IPL tickets in black but also illegally dealing in prestigious corporate box complimentary passes. Tehelka first came into contact with Pankaj in 2023 when he sold complimentary passes for the 50-over ICC Cricket World Cup, held in India, to our reporter.
This year, on 26th April, Pankaj sent a WhatsApp message to the Tehelka reporter, offering Old Club House (OCH) Corporate Box 01 complimentary IPL passes—which are not for sale—for the 27th April 2025 match between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, at the rate of Rs 45,000 per pass. He mentioned he had two box passes, which included buffet access. We dug further and asked whether Pankaj had more corporate box passes for the 29th April IPL match in Delhi between Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders. To this, Pankaj replied that he would check and get back to us. Since the box passes were very expensive, we decided not to buy them. However, to nail Pankaj, it was necessary to purchase something from him as conclusive evidence. Therefore, we decided to buy regular tickets, which are cheaper than box passes, for the 27th and 29th April matches to be held at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders, respectively. Accordingly, a meeting between Pankaj Verma and Tehelka’s undercover reporter was fixed for 27th April in Delhi.
On 27th April, Pankaj met Tehelka’s reporter at Star City Mall in Mayur Vihar Phase I, East Delhi. The meeting took place at Café Coffee Day (CCD). During that meeting, Pankaj informed the our reporter that he could arrange three OCH Corporate Box 01 passes for the 29th April IPL match in Delhi, but for that, he would require 70% to 80% of the payment in advance.
In the following exchange, the broker openly admits to selling free IPL passes for money. He says it’s common and done for profit. He insists on a 70–80% advance payment before procuring the tickets, explaining that he doesn’t want to risk losses. When asked about the price for three tickets, he avoids giving a clear answer but promises they’ll be the cheapest available.
Reporter- Jo box aapne mujhe bheja tha (through WhatsApp), wo 45k ka hai ?
Pankaj- Haan
Reporter- Wo to complimentary hai?
Pankaj- Complimentary to hai magar jisko kharidni hai wo kharid rahe hain, paise kama rahe hain log…kuch nahi kar saktey.
Reporter- Sir iske box karwa doge.. April 29 ke match ka?
Pankaj- April 29 wala, maine bola hai. Aap mujhe pehle payment karogey tabhi mein lunga, mein apne par risk nahi lunga.
Reporter- Kitna payment karna hoga?
Pankaj- Jo bhi payment karna hoga, box 45k ka bolta hai ya 40 ka bolta hai right? Uski 70% 80% percent payment pehle hogi, uske bad mein unse ticket mangwaoonga aur khud hi usko work karte hain, porter wagera karke bhejtey hain.
Reporter- Teen tickets ka kitna hoga Pankaj bhai?
Pankaj- Abhi mujhe nahi pata Kolkata ka kya rate chal raha hai, magar jo bhi hoga cheapest hoga.
Reporter- 29 ka kiska match hai?
Pankaj- Delhi Vs Kolkata.
[This conversation reveals how selling complimentary IPL passes on the black market has become a normal practice, with brokers like Pankaj operating openly. His demand for a large advance shows how the focus is on profit, not legality, and how unchecked commercialisation in sports ticketing has turned into a money-spinner for some.]
In this segment, Pankaj clarifies the meaning of “OCH” passes, explaining that “OCH” stands for “Old Club House,” a specific stand in the stadium. He describes the OCH stand as being situated at the front and uppermost part of the stadium, offering a premium view of the pitch, and often associated with exclusive access and amenities.
Pankaj- Ye dekhiye ye wala diya tha maine aapko…complimentary.. maine aapko box ka diya tha.
Reporter- Ye OCH ka kya matlab hai ?
Pankaj- OCH actually ek stand ka naam hai, ye aapko maine photo bheji thi na OCH ki.. ye raha.. ismein likha hota hai… Old Club House.
Reporter- Old Club House sabse aage hai aur sabse upper?
Pankaj- Haan.
Reporter- Ye pitch hai na.. sabse upper hai, OCH pocket wala ye hai.. dekhiye.
[Pankaj’s explanation shows how the appeal of prime seating spots like the OCH stand makes these passes seem more valuable. It highlights how exclusive seating is used to make big profits.]
Upon meeting Pankaj, we inquired about the availability of corporate box passes. Although we didn’t intend to purchase them due to their high cost, we were interested in knowing how many he had. Pankaj reiterated that he could arrange corporate box passes for the April 29th match but required a 70% advance payment.
Reporter- Mujhe 29 ka dijiye sir 3?
Pankaj- 29 ka sir dilwa dunga par condition wahi hai — paise mein apne nahi lagaunga.
Reporter- Kitna hoga 70% advance ka?
Pankaj- Mujhe abhi maloom nahi hai. Aaj ka match hone k baad kal ke price khulenge, 10 baje ke baad.
Reporter- Lekin ho jayega?
Pankaj- Ho jayega, paisa do aur ho jayega..haan but mujhko usko payment pehle hi karni hogi ye condition rahegi, ye wala wo mangwata nahi hai, but mein bol dunga.
Reporter- Ye bhi complimantary hoga?
Pankaj- Complimentary hoga ya jo hoga wo bata dega but advance dena hoga.
[This interaction shows how people get high-demand IPL passes through informal means. It also reveals how free passes meant for select guests are being used to make money.]
Then, Pankaj informed us that to secure three OCH corporate box tickets or complimentary passes for the April 29th IPL match between Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders, we would need to pay him Rs 84,000 in advance, representing 70% of the total cost. He emphasized that this upfront payment was necessary for him to proceed with the arrangement.
Reporter- Mujhe 70 percent bata dijiye.. advance kitna dena hoga?
Pankaj- 40 thousand ka agar hai…ek 40 ka ho gaya to 70 percent lagbhag ho gaya 27-28 thousand and teeno ka 84 thousand.
Reporter- Guarantee hai? Aisa na ho?
Pankaj- Wo koi nahi.. hum aisa nahi karenge, aapki bhi guarantee honi chaiye aur hamari bhi!
Reporter- Phir paise kaise logey aap, phir aana padega ?
Pankaj- Haan. nahi to paytm karwa dena.
Reporter- To aap mujhe kab confirm karenge?
Pankaj- Mein aapko kal karunga, aaj 10 baje ke baad bolunga kyunki sab busy hain.. keh rahe hain phone mat karna humko.
[Despite the uncertainty, Pankaj assures the reporter that the tickets will be arranged upon receiving the advance. His insistence on a substantial upfront payment, despite the lack of confirmed pricing, highlights the risky nature of this informal arrangement.]
On April 27, Pankaj delivered three regular tickets to Tehelka’s undercover reporter: one for that day’s match between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and two for the upcoming April 29 game against Kolkata Knight Riders. All were sold in black. While we did not intend to purchase the high-priced corporate box passes, we inquired about their availability for April 29. Pankaj reiterated his requirement for a 70% advance payment to secure them.
The following day, April 28, Pankaj sent a WhatsApp message with a screenshot of West Corporate Box 09 tickets for the April 29 match, stating that their official price was Rs 27,000, inclusive of unlimited buffet and beer. However, he offered them to us at Rs 40,000 each, sold in black.
After this, we investigated Pankaj further and sent him a WhatsApp message stating that we needed Old Club House (OCH) corporate box tickets or passes, not the West Corporate Box tickets. In response, Pankaj WhatsApped me a screenshot of complimentary OCH corporate box passes for the 29th April match, claiming he had three of them available at Rs 40,000 each. Passes clearly marked as not for sale were being sold by Pankaj.
As of May 5, Pankaj informed us via WhatsApp that he had ten regular complimentary passes for the May 11 match between Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans, priced at Rs 7,000 each. He noted that this price was valid as of May 4 and could increase as the match date approached. Additionally, he claimed to have corporate box complimentary passes for the same match. He stated that purchasing ten of these passes would cost Rs 70,000.
You name it, and Pankaj has it. Throughout our investigation, Pankaj consistently offered a range of tickets—from regular to high-end corporate box passes—all available for purchase, despite many being designated as complimentary and not for sale. We even enquired about the last IPL match in Delhi on 11th May, and he had complimentary passes, tickets, and corporate box access for that match as well. His operations highlight a persistent and organized black-market network exploiting the IPL’s ticketing system.
Now, let’s get back to our meeting with Pankaj on 27^th April at Café Coffee Day in Mayur Vihar. During our meeting, we inquired from him about the source of his IPL passes, including corporate boxes and regular tickets. Pankaj disclosed that he acquires these through sponsors, who receive a mix of complimentary and saleable tickets. He explained that while 80% of tickets are sold, the remaining 20% are complimentary, often distributed to sponsors’ guests. However, these complimentary tickets frequently end up being sold in the open market, contributing to the black-market trade.
Reporter- Issey pehle jo aapne bheje they (through WhatsApp) wo complimentary they shayad?
Pankaj- Nahi complimentary bhi they aur passes bhi they. Mein aapko batata hoon ye stand hota hai na wahan kuch complimentary bhi hoti hain, 80 percent sale bhi hoti hain tickets.. 20 percent nikalte hain complimentary.. jo ki agar aapke links hotey hain IPL mein ya sponsors hotey hain unko de diye jaate hain, taki unke jo guests hain wo aa jaye, rate uska bhi 95 hundred, 10k ka hai magar wo usko sale kar detey hain, aapki ticket wohi hai 95 wali
[Pankaj’s revelations expose a troubling practice: complimentary IPL tickets meant for sponsors’ guests are being sold on the black market. This harms the ticketing system and denies genuine fans fair access.]
In a candid exchange, Pankaj discloses that his involvement in the IPL ticket trade is facilitated through a friend. He clarifies that he operates on behalf of this associate, indicating a broader network behind the distribution of these passes.
Reporter- Kya- kya hai IPL 2025 mein. ?
Pankaj- Dekho sir mera to ek friend hai jo karta hai mein usi ke liye karta hoon.
[This brief dialogue suggests that Pankaj is not acting independently but is part of a larger network, possibly steered by his friend. It points to a layered ticket resale network, with people like Pankaj working as middlemen.]
During our meeting with Pankaj on April 27 at CCD  in Mayur Vihar, he disclosed that he possessed 25 regular tickets for that day’s high-profile match between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He mentioned that these tickets, originally priced at Rs 2,700, were being sold on the black market for Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000 each. Pankaj also revealed that corporate box passes, which are complimentary and not intended for sale, were being sold for Rs 45,000 per pass. He attributed this to the high demand and the opportunity for profit.
Pankaj- Ab dekho 2025 mein kya hota hai.. abhi to Delhi acha khel rahai hai.. first par Gujarat hai.
Reporter- Third par Bengaluru hai.
Pankaj- Aaj kafi acha khel rahi hai…aaj hai RCB aur Delhi ka..aaj ki tickets to bahut black hui hain, stadium packed hai poora, tough matcha hai aaj.
Reporter- To kya rate chal raha hai aaj?
Pankaj- Maine bataya tha aaapko, mere pass 25 tickets thi.. wo Rs 8000 ki bik rahi hain, Box ki to aap baat hi mat karo.
Reporter- Jo box aapne mujhe bheja (by WhatsApp) wo 45 ka hai ?
Pankaj- Haan.
Reporter- Wo to complimentary hai?
Pankaj- Complimentary to hai.. magar jisko kharidni hai wo kharid rahe hain, paise kama rahe hain log…kuch nahi kar saktey.
Reporter- Aaj  k ticket ke kya rate hain sir.. Delhi wale ke?
Pankaj- Maine bataya tha aapko Rs 5000 ka Rs 8000 mein bik rahe hain.
[This exchange highlights how high-demand matches create opportunities for black market activities, with even complimentary passes being sold illicitly. It underscores the challenges in regulating ticket distribution and the need for stricter enforcement to protect genuine fans.]
In the following exchange, Pankaj assures the reporter that the IPL tickets and passes he provides are genuine, distancing himself from unscrupulous brokers, who sell counterfeit tickets outside venues like Feroz Shah Kotla (now Arun Jaitley Stadium). He admits that fake tickets, which are often colour printouts, are common, but insists he does not engage in such deception.
Pankaj- Sabse aage, koi cheating nahi hai sir, dekhiye.
Reporter- Kya keh rahe ho aap.. aapse cheating ki umeed!.. magar kai baar aisa hota hai wahan jo ticket miltey hain, jo black kartey hain, Firoz Shah Kotla, Arun Jaitely stadium ke bahar, wo fake bhi de detey hain.
Pankaj- Yes, absolutely..wo colour printouts le aate hain.
Reporter- Color printouts nikal kar wo fake de detey hain. Aur kai logon k saath hua hai aisa.
Pankaj- Hua hai, hua hoga aisa..
[This chat shows how fake IPL tickets are commonly sold near stadiums. Pankaj acknowledges the issue but is quick to distance himself from such fraud.]
Now, Pankaj presents two standard tickets for the April 27th IPL match between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, each with a face value of Rs 2,700. He reveals that these tickets are being resold in the black market for amounts ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000. This shows how much the price goes up in the black market and how strong the demand is for big matches.
Reporter- Ye aaj ka hai Sunday 27 April 2025..ye 2700 ki hai kya?
Pankaj- Ye 2700 ki hai magar iski already black ho gayi hai koi mujhko 5000 de raha hai.
Reporter- Iska already black mein 8000 hai, aaj k match ka..Delhi Vs Bengaluru!?

[This exchange underscores the rampant black-market trade of IPL tickets, where prices can almost triple based on demand. It reflects the challenges fans face in accessing tickets at face value, especially for key matches.]
In a bid to substantiate the ongoing investigation, the Tehelka team proceeded to purchase an IPL ticket directly from Pankaj. Although the ticket’s face value was Rs 2,700, Pankaj initially quoted Rs 5,000. After negotiation, he agreed to sell one of the two tickets in his possession for Rs 4,000. The transaction was captured on camera, providing concrete evidence of the black-market sale.
Reporter- Aaj ka to 2700 hai, mujhe kitna dena hoga aaj ka?
Pankaj- 4k de dena koi aapse wo nahi hai.
Reporter- 4000.. theek hai done.
[This deal confirms that Pankaj is part of unauthorised ticket sale racket and also shows how black-market prices are often unfairly high. These practices weaken the official ticketing system.]
In this exchange, Pankaj informs the reporter that while he sold an IPL ticket for Rs 4,000, the same ticket is fetching up to Rs 8,000 near the stadium. He emphasizes that prices escalate as the match approaches, especially for high-demand games like the April 27th clash between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers, Bengaluru.
Reporter- Aaj ka ye mehnga hoga?
Pankaj- Bahut menhga hoga… wahan par jaogey stadium par to aur mehnga hoga.
Reporter – Rs 8000?
Pankaj- Aaram se.
[This interaction underscores the rampant black-market trade of IPL tickets, where prices can double or triple based on demand. This also highlights the challenges in regulating ticket sales for major sporting events.]
In this segment, Pankaj presents the Old Club House (OCH) corporate box passes for the April 27th IPL match in Delhi, pricing each at Rs 35,000. He emphasizes that these passes, labelled as complimentary, include buffet services, suggesting a premium experience.
Pankaj- Dekho aaj k match k mere pass ye aa gaye.
Reporter- Old Club House first floor for Rs 35000 each.. aaj ka.?
Pankaj- Haan…Aaj ka.
Reporter- Old Club House AC enclosure…. Rs 35000.
Pankaj- Including buffet.. jab ki ye complimentary pass hai.. is ki price hai Rs 35000.
[The dialogue reveals how passes meant for promotion are being sold for profit, revealing a booming resale market.]
To obtain more conclusive evidence, we purchased two additional standard tickets from Pankaj for the IPL match on April 29th in Delhi, featuring Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders. The original price of each ticket was Rs 4,500, totalling Rs 9,000 for both. However, Pankaj charged us Rs 10,000, effectively adding a Rs 1,000 premium. This transaction, conducted on camera, confirms that he sold the tickets in the black market. The payment was made in person, further substantiating the illicit nature of the sale.
Reporter- Iske lijiye sir.
Pankaj- Bas theek hai.
Reporter- Count kar lijiye?
Pankaj- Theek hai.
Reporter- 10 thousand hai.
Pankaj- Haan.. hai sir.
[In a series of interactions with Pankaj, we uncovered how black-market ticket sales worked during the 2025 IPL season. Pankaj detailed how tickets, both normal and corporate, were procured from sponsors and resold at inflated prices. This shows how common black-marketing is in the IPL, where official channels are bypassed, and fans are often exploited.]
The meeting with Pankaj concluded after we agreed to pay him Rs 4,000 after withdrawing cash from an ATM. This payment, captured on camera, was for a single ticket to the IPL match on April 27 in Delhi between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. As previously mentioned, Pankaj sold us this Rs 2,700 ticket in the black market for Rs 4,000. This transaction provided evidence of his involvement in unauthorized ticket sales. Pankaj emphasized that the tickets he provides are genuine, assuring us of their authenticity.
Reporter- Theek hai sir.. ek ticket k paise dene hain mujhe apko..ye to same hai na jo aapne series wali di thi, iska Rs 4000 mujhe pay karna hai.
Pankaj- Haan sir.
Reporter- Deta hoon ATM se nikal kar…bhaiya ATM  hain yahan ?
Pankaj- Haan hain yahan bahut saare.
[This conversation reveals how IPL tickets often change hands through unofficial means, making it hard to keep the process transparent and fair. It underscores the challenges in ensuring transparency and fairness in ticket distribution.] As in previous years, police in Jaipur and Bengaluru have arrested several individuals for selling IPL general tickets on the black market in the on-going season too. However, this year marks a significant development: for the first time, an individual has been caught on Tehelka’s undercover camera selling high-end OCH and West corporate box complimentary passes and tickets in Delhi. These premium passes, which include unlimited buffet and beer and are not intended for resale, were found being openly sold by Pankaj Verma, an official from a prominent airline. This revelation highlights the growing scale of ticket black-marketing operations, highlighting the need for more stringent enforcement and oversight in the distribution of such passes.

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