Bhubaneswar: The offline ticket sales for the India-England One-Day International (ODI) match at Barabati Stadium concluded today, with all tickets being sold out by 6 pm.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jagmohan Meena, the stadium counters will not sell tickets tomorrow.
The offline ticket sales began today, following the online ticket sales on February 2. However, the ticket counter witnessed a stampede-like situation amid a heavy rush of cricket fans. The chaos escalated as the ticket counter closed at 6 pm. The crowd broke the barricade out of frustration.
Cricket enthusiasts had been waiting in queue since last night to secure their seats for the match. Despite the long wait, many fans were left disappointed and frustrated as they failed to procure tickets. The situation turned volatile, with agitated fans breaking the barricade.
The chaos began as soon as the offline ticket counter opened this morning, with spectators rushing to buy tickets and creating a chaotic atmosphere. Some in the queue lost consciousness and fainted due to suffocation amid heavy rush.
The incident has left cricket lovers frustrated with the system at Barabati Stadium.
Meanwhile, Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh informed that Indian and England cricket teams are scheduled to arrive in Bhubaneswar on February 7 for the One-Day International (ODI) match at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on February 9.
Police Commissioner stated that elaborate arrangements have been made for the teams’ accommodation at a star hotel.
He added that 50 platoon of forces will be deployed for the security of the international sports event.