A major black ticketing probe has surfaced in Delhi, with allegations pointing to a senior figure linked to the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) for allegedly arranging the sale of more than 1,000 complimentary passes, including some reportedly priced above Rs 80,000. Delhi Police have arrested four people in connection with the scam, and the investigation has now raised questions over the possible role of a DDCA official in inflating ticket rates for high-profile matches.
How the investigation began
The matter came to light after tickets were reportedly being sold at steep, questionable prices ahead of a Delhi Capitals (DC) match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The fixture also carried extra star power due to Virat Kohli, which appears to have driven demand for tickets.
Arrests at the venue
- Three accused—Mukeem (35), Gufran (36), and Md. Faisal (38)—were arrested close to the stadium when police caught them attempting to offload complimentary passes for the match.
- After questioning, petrol pump employee Pankaj Yadav was also taken into custody in connection with the case.
- In total, four people were arrested by Delhi Police over the black ticketing allegations.
Allegations of a DDCA-linked ticket racket
Investigators claim the scam was not an isolated incident, with indications that it was being run in a structured manner. A source connected to Delhi Police suggested that the operation was spearheaded by a DDCA official, with pricing allegedly tied to the perceived value of the contest and the players involved.
Reported pricing strategy
- The reported source described the arrangement as “very systematic,” with a DDCA official reportedly at the top.
- Ticket rates, it was said, were decided based on the “star value” of the match and the players featured.
- According to the same account, charges were increased closer to the start of the game.
- For the RCB clash—where Virat Kohli was the main attraction—it was alleged that at least one ticket was sold for Rs 80,000.
- The reported price band ranged from Rs 8,000 to Rs 80,000, depending on the match and demand.
Extent of the network and BCCI ticket allocation rules
The probe has also pointed to a wider black ticketing network. Delhi Police investigators, as reported, said the operation sold more than 1,000 tickets per match at extortionate prices to fans who were desperate to secure entry.
DDCA officials questioned
- On Thursday, four DDCA officials—two of them senior officers—were questioned for nearly five hours as part of the inquiry.
What the BCCI norms say
While the alleged racket involves complimentary passes, the investigation also touches on the formal ticket distribution system under BCCI regulations. As per the norms mentioned in the report:
- The local franchise (in this case, Delhi Capitals) is meant to provide 10 to 15 per cent of each match’s tickets to the hosting association (in this case, DDCA) as complimentary passes.
