A lucky few ready to take guard, but many timed-out

IPL final frenzy

Hundreds of cricket fans from Bengaluru and beyond, who were eager to catch live action of the IPL T20 summit clash between local outfit Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday, were left disappointed after they learnt that the tickets for Sunday’s clash were sold out.

The craze for the IPL title clash is such that, the tickets were sold out in just two hours on Wednesday itself. Mohan Kumar, who had come from Hubballi along with his father, said: “We came to Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday morning thinking that we would get tickets. I waited at the venue till 4.30 pm hoping to hear good news. I was desperate to catch the action live as my favourite team RCB is in the final. But I am disappointed.”

Venkat, (name changed on request), who came all the way from Kerala to watch the all-important game, said that he has spent over Rs 40,000 for travelling and hotel booking. “The stadium management told me that tickets were sold three days back. Having spent so much money, I wish to explore Bengaluru, at least.” 

Sweltering heat didn’t prevent Sandeep B, an IT professional and an avid cricket fan, from standing in queue for a ticket to final. “When I visited the stadium to get tickets for finals on May 20, I was told to come after May 25. I couldn’t come on Wednesday as I was busy with the work. I came here today (Saturday) only to find match tickets were sold out,” he added. Many disheartened fans were seen asking security guys and the officials “Do you have ticket for IPL final”  A few cricket fans are still hopeful of getting a ticket to final, “One of my friends has managed to get bulk tickets and I am hoping to get one for Sunday’s final,” said Samarchitha S, a student. 

Now then, here’s some good news for those who have failed to get ticket to final. They can experience an ambience close to the one seen at Chinnaswamy Stadium during IPL matches at one of those pubs or restaurants with giant screens. They can head to one of the several pubs and restaurants in the city, more so in Central Business district, to watch Virat Kohli’s boys with Warner’s men battle for the silverware on big LED screens with motely crowd.  
 Beyond the boundaryIPL T20 matches in the city are the harbingers of all good things for vendors, autodrivers, cabbies. Most of them do brisk business when the IPL caravan returns to the city. And Sunday’s final is no exception.

Jayanna, who sells cotton candies near Anil Kumble Circle, said that he makes about Rs 500 to Rs 600 per day and hopes to go past Rs 1000-mark on the big day.  

Brahad Reddy, an employee of a popular coffee outlet on MG Road, said, “Every time there is a match, we register good sales. We will keep the outlet open till midnight on Sunday,” he added. 

Street vendors have reasons to dread IPL matches in the city. Vadivel, who sells puffed rice near Cubbon Park said, “Traffic cops do not allow vendors to occupy footpaths on the day matches are played at Chinnaswamy Stadium.