In a major crackdown on the black marketing of Indian Premier League (IPL) tickets, Bengaluru police arrested a canteen worker at the Chinnaswamy Stadium after seizing around 100 tickets for the match. The incident has once again highlighted growing concerns about ticket distribution during IPL 2026.
The accused, identified as Chandrashekhar, was employed at the stadium’s Sri Lakshmi canteen and was allegedly involved in selling tickets at exorbitant prices during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Lucknow Super Giants clash.
According to officials, Chandrashekhar was caught red-handed when he tried to sell tickets at prices between Rs 15,000 and Rs 19,000, far above the original prices.
During interrogation, the accused allegedly revealed that the tickets were supplied by KSCA member Ganesh Parikshit, who allegedly ordered him to sell them at higher prices for profit.
Parikshit is currently absconding and the authorities have launched a manhunt to trace him. The Central Crime Branch (CCB) has also registered an FIR against CEOs of some private companies for their alleged involvement in facilitating illegal ticket sales.
The seizure of such a large number of tickets has raised fresh concerns about the extent of black marketing operations during high-profile IPL matches in Bengaluru.
The development comes at a time when ticket distribution in Karnataka has already come under intense scrutiny and several controversies have emerged in recent weeks.
IPL TICKET CHAOS CONTINUES IN KARNATAKA
The latest arrest adds to the already growing list of problems related to the allocation of IPL tickets in the state.
Earlier, a major controversy erupted after Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced that all MLAs in the state would get three free tickets for IPL matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The decision drew criticism across party lines, with lawmakers themselves raising concerns about insufficient ticketing and seating arrangements. Opposition leaders also questioned the move, calling it an example of VIP culture at a time when ordinary fans were struggling to secure tickets.
With both black marketing and preferential allotment under scrutiny, Karnataka’s IPL ticketing system continues to face scrutiny, raising questions about transparency and fair access for fans.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
17 Apr 2026 14:53 IST
