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The ODI World Cup 2023 is just around the corner, and cricket enthusiasts around the globe are eagerly anticipating the excitement that this prestigious tournament promises. However, a dark cloud of frustration looms over the fans who have been struggling to secure tickets for the much-awaited event.
In a scathing attack on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), former Indian cricketer Venkatesh Prasad voiced his concerns and empathized with the disgruntled fans who are left empty-handed despite putting in hours to acquire match tickets.
The ticketing dilemma
The ticket sales for the 2023 ODI World Cup commenced on August 25, and the BCCI had outlined a structured approach for the release of tickets. Despite the well-laid framework, many cricket enthusiasts faced immense challenges in acquiring their tickets and hours of waiting in anticipation ended in disappointment, leaving them disheartened and frustrated.
Venkatesh Prasad’s blunt message to BCCI and a call for transparency
In the wake of this ticketing fiasco, Venkatesh Prasad stepped forward as a voice for the fans who have been let down by the system. He expressed his genuine concern for the struggles that fans are enduring and called for a change in the procedure adopted by the BCCI. The veteran seamer stressed the need for transparency, urging the BCCI not to take the fans for granted and to make the ticketing process more transparent and accessible.
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Another key criticism raised by Prasad was the apparent prioritization of corporate interests and members over passionate cricket fans. He questioned the BCCI’s decision to reserve a significant number of seats for corporate giants, which left limited availability for ordinary fans who yearn to be part of the World Cup experience.
“It’s never been very easy to get World Cup tickets. But this time has been harder than before. Could have been better planned and I feel for the fans who have had high hopes and struggled to get tickets. I sincerely hope one of the most important stakeholders, the Fans get their worth and I hope @BCCI makes it easier for the fans,” wrote Prasad on his X (previously Twitter) account.
“I urge the @BCCI to have more transparency in the World Cup ticketing system and not take fans for granted. Definitely in a stadium like Ahmedabad, for an #IndvsPak clash more than the sold 8500 tickets need to be available when the capacity is 1 lakh + . Likewise for all other matches, a larger chunk needs to be for the fans. It will be more fulfilling if the diehard fan is kept happy and not deprived of this opportunity instead of reserving a large chunk for corporates and members,” he added.
It’s never been very easy to get World Cup tickets. But this time has been harder than before. Could have been better planned and I feel for the fans who have had high hopes and struggled to get tickets. I sincerely hope one of the most important stakeholders, the Fans get their…
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) September 4, 2023
I urge the @BCCI to have more transparency in the World Cup ticketing system and not take fans for granted. Definitely in a stadium like Ahmedabad, for an #IndvsPak clash more than the sold 8500 tickets need to be available when the capacity is 1 lakh + . Likewise for all other…
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) September 4, 2023
