Xtra Time Web Desk: There was chaotic scenes outside the ticket counters in Cuttack for the second T20I between India and South Africa. Police failed to control the crowds and resorted to lathi charge, creating a stampede like situation.
Thousands of people jostled with each other to get ahead in the queue and get their tickets. There was a scuffle between the police and crowds following which the police resorted to lathi charge to keep the situation under control.
With Cuttack hosting an international cricket match after two and half years, the excitement among fans was huge. A total of nine ticket counters were opened including two for women. When the counters opened, the area was already packed with more than 15,000 people. Every counter had long queues and the hot and humid conditions made things tougher for the cricket lovers.
Tickets were black marketed for Rs 3,000 when its actual cost is `600. According to local police there could also be a link between the stampede-like situation in the women ticket counters as the touts engaged women, “possibly on wages” to get tickets for them.
The Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) had made arrangements to sell 12,093 tickets to general public on Thursday and Friday. However, all the tickets were sold on the first day itself.