Police Crack Down On Illegal IPL Ticket Sales In Hyderabad And Kolkata – Evrim Ağacı

As the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season kicks off, excitement in cities like Hyderabad and Kolkata is palpable, but so is the rise in illegal ticket sales. Authorities in both cities have ramped up crackdowns on illicit activities linked to ticket scalping, providing a stark reminder of the dark side of such sporting events.
On March 22, 2025, the Special Operations Team of Rachakonda police arrested a man named Bharadwaj at Uppal Stadium, where he was allegedly selling tickets for the upcoming match between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). The sale, however, was anything but legal. Police reported that Bharadwaj purchased the tickets from various sources and was reselling them at inflated prices.

After receiving tips about Bharadwaj’s activities, police apprehended him near the Uppal Metro Station, confiscating several tickets in the process. He was subsequently handed over to the Uppal police station for further legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, in Kolkata, the IPL fever brought not just fans but also opportunistic scammers. On the eve of the inaugural match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Kolkata police captured three individuals implicated in selling fake tickets. These arrests stemmed from a complaint filed by Dhiraj Mali, who had been deceived after responding to a social media advertisement promising match tickets.
Dhiraj, 33, reported that he was instructed by a man called Ashish Sharma to meet his associate, Piyush Mahendra, in Girish Park. Under the impression of purchasing genuine tickets for the game, he handed over Rs 20,000 in cash. Instead of the promised tickets, he received merely two fake Rs 2,000 tickets and a couple of complimentary passes.
Feeling duped, Dhiraj attempted to reach Sharma, but the phone was no longer answered. He promptly filed a complaint at the Girish Park Police Station. Following his report, the authorities wasted no time in tracking down Mahendra and his accomplice, Kamal Hussain.

Police acted swiftly to investigate, recovering a total of 27 tickets and over Rs 20,000 in cash during their raids at Mahendra’s residence on Mitra Lane and during the arrest of Shabaz Khan in the New Market area, who was selling tickets. The authorities have not only initiated legal action under the 1948 West Bengal Black Marketing Act for their arrests, but they are actively pursuing other members of the ticket racket.
Despite the rapid pace of ticket sales, where official tickets often sell-out in minutes, scams like these have emerged. With numerous fans hoping to witness their favorite teams live, it is crucial for them to remain vigilant. Authorities are repeatedly emphasizing that purchasing tickets from official sources is the only effective way to avoid fraud.
Fans are drawn not just by the appeal of the matches but also by the presence of personalities such as Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan, who is a co-owner of KKR. His appearance has heightened anticipation for the match while simultaneously intensifying the urgency among supporters to secure tickets. With the IPL now in full swing, many have found themselves queuing outside venues hoping to secure a place at much-anticipated matches.
Throughout this electrifying season, cricket enthusiasts have been flooding hotels and restaurants around the stadiums, leading to a surge in local business. Merchants are capitalizing on the enthusiasm with sales of KKR jerseys and memorabilia reaching fever pitch.

As night fell over the iconic Eden Gardens, the warmth of cricket’s camaraderie and community shone brightly against the troubling backdrop of black-market ticket sales. Both Hyderabad and Kolkata’s efforts to combat ticket fraud remind fans that at the heart of every match lies not just excitement but a communal spirit that cricket embodies.
In summary, as IPL 2025 provides a platform for sporting brilliance, the challenges of ticket scalping serve as a sobering counterpoint. Both the Rachakonda and Kolkata police are committed to ensuring fans can enjoy the sport without falling prey to scammers who seek to exploit the sheer enthusiasm that cricket ignites among millions.
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