Cuttack: The Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) on Sunday announced that preparations for the India vs South Africa T20 match, scheduled to be played on December 9 at Barabati Stadium, are in their final stages. The association said it is fully prepared to host the match successfully.
OCA Secretary Sanjay Behera informed the media that the players will arrive in Bhubaneswar in three phases. While some players will reach on December 5 and 6, T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav and Abhishek Sharma are expected on December 5. The remaining players will arrive on December 7, with a practice session scheduled at Barabati Stadium that evening. On December 8, South Africa will have net practice in the afternoon, followed by the Indian team at 5:30 pm.
“All security arrangements have been finalized and players will be welcomed with cultural programs,” Behera said.
For the match, 42,695 tickets have been printed. However, 3,000 tickets have been withheld for security reasons. Online ticket sales will begin on December 1, while offline sales will start on December 5 at six designated counters at the stadium.
Ticket prices range from Rs 700 for Gallery 7 to Rs 1,200 for Gallery 5, with premium enclosures including the Special Enclosure at Rs 6,000, AC Box at Rs 8,000, New Pavilion at Rs 10,000, and Corporate Box at Rs 20,000. Each person can purchase a maximum of two tickets and ticketing has been assigned to the company “District by Zomato.”
The capacity of Gallery 6 has been reduced due to structural concerns, while tickets for affiliated sports organisations, schools, and colleges have been increased. Both teams will stay at Mayfair Hotels in Bhubaneswar and will travel to Barabati Stadium in separate buses under tight security. The match has been insured for Rs 50 crore.
CCTV cameras will be installed on all four roads leading from the stadium entrance. During net practice, Galleries 1, 2, 6, and 7 will be open. Fire safety and medical arrangements are in place, with teams from KIMS Hospital and SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, on duty. Drinking water will be available in all galleries, while food will be sold outside the stadium.
OCA President Pankaj Lochan Mohanty and Secretary Sanjay Behera briefed the media, assuring cricket fans of a safe and well-organised event.
