Controversy Erupts at M Chinnaswamy Stadium Over Ticket Scalping

A significant controversy has emerged at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where a canteen worker was arrested for selling IPL tickets on the black market. The investigation by the Bengaluru Central Crime Branch revealed a larger network involved in the illegal resale of tickets at inflated prices. With the RCB's home matches generating high demand, the scandal has raised concerns about ticketing integrity. The investigation continues as authorities seek to uncover the full extent of the ticket scalping operations linked to IPL 2026.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 17, 2026, 21:11 IST

Ticket Scalping Incident at M Chinnaswamy Stadium

The M Chinnaswamy Stadium, known for hosting the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's home games, has recently been embroiled in a significant controversy. A canteen employee was apprehended for engaging in the illegal sale of tickets on the black market during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

So far, the iconic Bengaluru stadium has seen the Royal Challengers Bengaluru secure victories in three home matches against teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants, resulting in a surge in ticket demand throughout the season.

As the RCB prepared for their fourth home match against the Delhi Capitals, a major scandal involving the unlawful resale of IPL tickets at exorbitant prices came to light, leading to the arrest of the canteen worker.

Details of the Ticket Scam Investigation

The Bengaluru Central Crime Branch (CCB) initiated an investigation after receiving credible information regarding the bulk booking of IPL tickets via online platforms, which were then funneled into the black market. These tickets were sold at inflated prices through intermediaries connected to stadium insiders.

Chandrashekhar, the accused canteen worker, was apprehended by CCB officials after being caught selling over 180 tickets priced between INR 15,000 and INR 19,000, culminating in a total racket valued at approximately ₹17.5 lakh, as reported by police.

The illegal tickets were primarily for the high-stakes IPL 2026 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants, held on April 15, and were resold at inflated prices through intermediaries.

Wider Network Under Investigation

Chandrashekhar's involvement in the Chinnaswamy Ticket Scam appears to be part of a broader network suspected of orchestrating bulk ticket purchases and illegal resale activities.

According to reports, tickets were acquired under the names of Swastik Heavy Engineering and Industrial Automation Consultant Company, along with 50 tickets registered under Dharani Computers Company. These tickets were later diverted to the black market for resale at inflated prices.

The CCB noted that a similar ticket scam occurred during the match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings on March 28, where 81 tickets were sold for around ₹6.6 lakh, following the same pattern of bulk booking and illegal resale.

Absconding KSCA Member Linked to Scam

Chandrashekhar is not the only individual implicated in this operation; a member of the Kerala State Cricket Association (KSCA), Ganesh Pareekshit, is also under suspicion for his role in the scam. He allegedly instructed Chandrashekhar to sell the tickets at inflated prices.

Currently, Ganesh is absconding after reportedly playing a crucial role in the distribution and coordination of the illegal ticket sales for RCB's home matches.

Additionally, the police have filed a case against the private companies involved in the unlawful sale of IPL 2026 tickets at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The CCB's ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the ticket black-marketing network associated with IPL 2026 matches.