India-Pak match tickets sold out, fans heckle bank

The rush for grabbing tickets for the third ODI between India and Pakistan at Feroz Shah Kotla stadium descended into a chaos after tickets were sold out at Union Bank of India’s branches in the Capital with fans still queuing up on Friday. Police had to be called to disperse the cricket fans.

At the bank’s Connaught Place branch, tickets were sold out before noon leaving hundreds of fans angry and disappointed. A security guard of the bank said people had started to queue from early morning.

“People were trying to forcibly enter the bank despite being told that the tickets were sold out. Local police’s timely intervention helped disperse people,” said the guard, who wished to remain anonymous.

‘There’s a limit’

Bank official Manoj Sharma added that there was a limit to how much people’s expectations could be fulfiled. “It is a big challenge, but even our hands are tied. For a match of this stature, even if you double or tripple the amount of tickets, it won’t be enough,” the official said.

Long queues were seen outside the bank from 9 am, and there was a mad rush to enter the premises when the gates opened at 10 am. Similar scenario was noticed at Sadar Bazar and Saket, where people left empty-handed despite waiting for hours.

Mahesh Aggarwal, a DU student who failed to grab a ticket, emphasised the mad rush was expected due to the tradition of India-Pakistan cricket match. “I am still hopeful as some more tickets are expected to be available online,” he said.

About 500 Pakistan fans have been granted visa to witness the series between the two countries. In addition, high profile persons, including former Pakistan players, will also be visiting as Pakistan Cricket Board guests to watch the match.