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A significant controversy has erupted in IPL 2026 after the Delhi Police reportedly identified a top Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) official as the prime accused in an illegal ticket selling racket that was being run outside the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

 

According to a report in The Indian Express, free passes meant for the DDCA officials were being illegally sold outside the stadium on match days. Police claim it was a well-organized operation involving several people around the stadium.

 

Investigators found that around 1000-1200 complimentary tickets were allegedly sold illegally for each IPL match played at the venue and some of these were reportedly sold at astronomical prices depending on the match and the team playing.

 

 

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Virat Kohli match tickets were sold for Rs 80,000

 

Police say a group of youngsters were assigned the duty of selling the tickets on the match days near the venue. The supervisor of a petrol pump situated close to Arun Jaitley Stadium was apparently managing the operation.

 

According to the police, the DDCA official passed the complimentary tickets to the supervisor, who then distributed it among the sellers outside the venue.

 

The police have said that depending on the match and the players participating, the price of the ticket would fluctuate. They also added that a ticket for a match featuring Virat Kohli was allegedly sold for up to Rs 80,000.

 

A source told the newspaper:

 

"This was a very systematic racket with this DDCA official at the top. Depending on the star value of the game and players the rates of the ticket would be decided. Closer to the start of the game they would charge more."

 

Further Stated :

 

"Before the Royal Challengers Bengaluru game with Virat Kohli as the major attraction, they charged at least Rs 80,000 for one ticket. We also learnt that the price ranged from Rs 8,000 to Rs 80,000, depending on the match and the demand."

 

Police suspect a link with betting operations

 

State cricket associations get complimentary passes in the range of 10-15% of the total stadium seating capacity as per the BCCI guidelines. Police believe these tickets were allegedly sold in the black market.

 

Police are investigating whether a part of the tickets was sold to bookies involved in online betting and other criminal activities.

 

Earlier DCP Crime Branch Sanjeev Kumar Yadav had confirmed the arrest of multiple people involved in the racket.

 

The DCP said : 

 

"They had procured tickets and complimentary passes through various persons. The role of other people associated with this syndicate is also under investigation. They also supplied premium tickets at exorbitant prices to people involved in online live betting/satta operations inside stadiums as well as pickpockets and other criminals."

 

The investigation is still on and the police are expected to grill more people in the coming days.