Police resort to lathicharge to control chaos at Chinnaswamy stadium

BANGALORE: Police on Thursday lathicharged frenzied cricket fans as chaos broke out during sale of tickets for the keenly awaited February 27 World Cup tie between India and England at the Chinnaswamy stadium, exemplifying another instance of ticketing mess.
Over 30,000 cricket fans had queued up since morning outside the stadium to buy tickets which went on sale yesterday, but chaos prevailed as a section of them tried to break the cordon when the counter opened a little late.
"However, those who were trying to break the line and create trouble were immediately chased away through mild lathicharge and order was restored", DCP (Central Division) G Ramesh said.
"All tickets have been sold out and the situation is under control now," he added.
Karnataka State Cricket Association secretary and former India pacer Javagal Srinath said about 6000 tickets have been sold at the gate.
"Mad rush is expected for any good match. A lot of people desire to watch the match," he said seeking to downplay the ticketing chaos and confusion.
Srinath said they were waiting for "tickets to come back" from ICC (International Cricket Council) and BCCI.
"If they come back, the only way we can give the public is through net, through Kyazoonga, the official ticketing partner for the event."
He said it was always difficult to satisfy everyone's needs ahead of such high-voltage clashes, but added "We are trying to cover as much as possible. But for a match of this magnitude, even if you double (the capacity) or triple, it's not enough."

Category: Cricket , Sports