Bengaluru: A major black market racket involving Indian Premier League (IPL) tickets has been unearthed in Bengaluru, with a canteen worker at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium arrested for allegedly selling match tickets at highly inflated prices.
The accused, identified as Chandrashekhar, was employed at Sri Lakshmi Canteen inside the stadium. He was apprehended by officials of the Central Crime Branch (CCB) while reportedly selling more than 180 tickets in the black market, with prices ranging between ₹15,000 and ₹19,000 per ticket.
Tickets linked to high-demand IPL matches
According to police, the tickets were for a high-demand Indian Premier League match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants held on April 15.
The investigation was initiated following credible information about bulk ticket purchases that were later being resold to the public at significantly higher prices.
Bulk purchases through online platform
During the probe, police found that the tickets had been purchased via Ticketgenie, an online booking platform. The bulk bookings were made under the names of private firms such as Swastik Heavy Engineering and Industrial Automation Consultant Company.
Additionally, around 50 tickets were purchased under the name of Dharani Computers Company. Investigators allege that these tickets were later diverted and sold illegally in the black market.
Pattern of resale uncovered
Police also identified a similar pattern in an earlier IPL match held on March 28, 2026, between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings. In that instance, 81 tickets worth ₹6.60 lakh were purchased under the same company name and resold at inflated prices.
In total, investigators found that 181 tickets across multiple price categories, worth ₹17.52 lakh, were purchased through the platform and illegally resold.
KSCA member under scanner
During interrogation, Chandrashekhar reportedly disclosed that the tickets were supplied by Ganesh Pareekshit, a member of the Karnataka State Cricket Association. He allegedly instructed the accused to sell the tickets at higher prices.
Pareekshit is currently absconding, and police have launched a search operation to trace him.
Corporate links under investigation
The probe has also revealed the involvement of managing directors of certain private companies who allegedly facilitated the bulk purchase and resale of tickets. A case has been registered against them as part of the ongoing investigation.
Officials believe the racket may be part of a larger network involving insiders and corporate entities exploiting high-demand sporting events for profit.
Conclusion
The busting of the IPL ticket black market racket highlights the extent of organised illegal activities surrounding major sporting events. With investigations continuing, authorities are focusing on identifying all those involved and tightening measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.