Crackdown on IPL Ticket Black Market: Three Arrested in Delhi
In a significant operation, the Delhi Crime Branch has arrested three individuals linked to an organized gang selling IPL tickets illegally. The authorities seized a substantial number of tickets and cash during the crackdown. Investigations revealed that the gang was supplying tickets to various criminal networks across IPL host cities. Additionally, the BCCI has announced a venue change for the IPL 2026 final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad due to high demand for complimentary tickets. This article delves into the details of the arrests and the implications for IPL ticket sales.
May 9, 2026, 14:47 IST
Delhi Police Busts Organized Gang Selling IPL Tickets Illegally
The Anti-Robbery and Snatching Cell (ARSC) of the Crime Branch in New Delhi has successfully dismantled an organized group involved in the illegal sale of Indian Premier League (IPL) tickets. Three individuals have been apprehended in connection with this case. Authorities recovered 54 IPL match tickets, 33 complimentary passes marked "not for sale," and ₹25,000 in cash from the suspects. The Crime Branch reported that the accused were selling premium IPL match tickets and complimentary passes at inflated prices.
Investigations revealed that the gang operated across multiple IPL host cities, supplying tickets to bookmakers and criminal organizations.
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Police officials indicated that the complimentary passes marked "not for sale" were also being sold on the black market. Further investigations are underway to identify other accomplices in the network. Separately, Devjeet Saikia, Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), announced on Thursday that the IPL 2026 final will be moved from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad. This decision followed allegations of excessive demand for complimentary tickets beyond the quota set by the Karnataka State Cricket Association.
Saikia clarified that according to IPL protocols, the reigning champion has the right to host the final and one playoff match at their home ground. Following the Royal Challengers Bangalore's championship victory last season, Bengaluru was initially considered a potential venue for the final. However, citing the high demand for tickets from the Karnataka State Cricket Association, the BCCI opted to relocate the matches. Saikia emphasized that host associations are permitted to allocate only 15 percent of the stadium's seating capacity as complimentary tickets.
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Saikia noted that initially, under standard protocols, the current champion (or the previous year's champion franchise) is entitled to host both the final and a playoff match at their home ground. Since RCB was the reigning champion last year, the match was ideally supposed to take place in Bengaluru. However, due to recent developments, the BCCI and IPL were compelled to make the decision to change the venue, with one match allocated to New Chandigarh and the final scheduled for the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.