Cuttack: Barabati Stadium in Odisha’s Cuttack city, which is scheduled to host the India Vs England ODI match on February 9, witnessed chaotic scenes on Wednesday morning, as the four counters opened for offline sale of the tickets.
According to sources, police had to struggle to manage the crowd, which had beeline for the stadium since late last night, as people hustled and attempted to climb the barricades as soon as the counters opened at around 9.30 am. The cricket fans are eager to grab a ticket to watch Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma live at the stadium, where an international match is being conducted after a gap of five years.
Cuttack DCP Jagmohan Meena said that efforts are being made to clear the exit points where people used to congregate. “The SBI has been requested to sell tickets faster to speed up the process,” he said.
The DCP said that extra forces are being called in and water will be sprinkled on those in the serpentine queues. Ambulances have been stationed to attend to any emergency situation, he added.
The Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) had earlier said that around 12,000 tickets will be available at stadium counters from 9 am to 6 pm on February 5 and 6. People can purchase up to two tickets each by producing valid ID cards. There is a separate queue for women.
The ticket prices for different sections of the 44574-capacity Barabati Satdium are as follows:
Rs 1,100 for Gallery No. 1 and 3.
Rs 900 for Gallery No. 2 and 4.
Rs 1,200 for Gallery No. 5.
Rs 700 for Gallery No. 7.
Rs 6,000 for Special Enclosure.
Rs 8,000 for AC Box.
Rs 10,000 for New Pavilion.
Rs 20,000 for Corporate Box.
Security arrangements
Ahead of the offline sale of ticket, the DCP had on Tuesday reviewed the security arrangements at the stadium. He had cautioned people against standing in queues near the stadium from late night. A total of 27 platoon of police force have been deployed to maintain law and order. “The forces are being deployed in three shifts. The counters have been shifted to a lane to avoid traffic congestion on the main road,” he told the media.
The Commissionerate Police has also issued a traffic advisory.
Preparations for ‘Super Sunday’ match
A high-level meeting was also convened here on Tuesday to review preparations for the match. Officials from the district administration, the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA), Odisha Olympic Association, police and health departments and the CMC attended the meeting to finalise the arrangements.
“The entry and exit of people will be regulated through four designated gates, with personnel stationed to manage security and sanitation,” the DCP further stated.
The district health department will also deploy ambulances and medical teams for emergency response on the match day, while food safety officers will monitor hygiene standards at stalls. Special bus services will operate from Cuttack’s Netaji Bus Terminus, Trishulia and the railway station, according to reports.
Reports further stated that around 9,000 tickets were sold to OCA employees and institutions associated with the state cricket association by Tuesday evening. A total of 4,000 tickets were sold online on February 2.
(With input from agencies)
