Bengaluru’s Central Crime Branch (CCB) has exposed a major ticket black market near the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, arresting eight individuals tied to the illegal reselling of IPL tickets, reported Deccan Herald. Among those detained were stadium employees and canteen staff, raising suspicions of internal involvement.

The Bengaluru Police Commissioner has ordered a strict crackdown on ticket fraud around the stadium, prompting the CCB to take immediate action. Investigators believe the racket is part of a larger network, possibly involving powerful figures within the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). According to a senior officer, the accused had access to bulk tickets and exclusive passes, while genuine fans found it nearly impossible to purchase a single ticket.

Authorities recovered 18 tickets in various categories—₹1,200, ₹5,000, and ₹13,000—from the suspects. These tickets were being resold at vastly inflated prices, ranging from ₹7,000 to ₹32,000. The arrests occurred during an IPL match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals, with multiple CCB teams deployed at the scene following instructions from Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda.

In response to a request from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), local police had been on high alert for illegal ticket sales and betting activities. Three separate FIRs have been filed as investigations into the matter continue, with authorities now focusing on dismantling what appears to be a well-organized syndicate operating from within.

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