IPL black ticket racket widens; DNA firm under scanner after KSCA link surfaces

Bengaluru

The investigation into the illegal sale of IPL tickets in the black market has taken a new turn, with authorities widening their probe and issuing notices to key entities. The case, which had already drawn attention following a stampede-related incident, has now brought fresh trouble for a private ticketing agency. The Central Crime Branch (CCB) has issued a notice to DNA, the firm responsible for managing ticket distribution. The development follows the arrest of a man identified as Chandrashekhar, who was allegedly involved in selling IPL tickets illegally.

During questioning, the accused revealed links to a member of the Karnataka State Cricket Association. According to police sources, Chandrashekhar, who worked in a hotel catering unit inside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, was reportedly used as a channel to sell tickets in the black market. He is said to have named KSCA member Ganesh Harikesh during the investigation. The probe has now shifted focus to how the tickets were originally sourced. Investigators are trying to trace the entire chain of distribution, from official allocation to illegal resale. Preliminary findings suggest that the DNA agency had issued tickets to two private companies, Dharani Computers and Swastik Heavy Engineering and Industrial Automotive.

It is suspected that KSCA member Ganesh obtained tickets through these companies. As part of the ongoing investigation, the Managing Directors of both firms are also under scrutiny. Police are examining whether the tickets were diverted knowingly or misused after allocation. The notice to DNA has been issued to seek clarity on ticket distribution procedures and to understand how the tickets reached unauthorised hands. With multiple links emerging in the case, the CCB is continuing its investigation to identify all those involved and establish accountability in the illegal ticket sale network.
 

KSCA denies role in illegal IPL ticket sales, promises cooperation

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has clarified that it has no connection with the illegal sale of IPL match tickets at inflated prices. The organisation’s official spokesperson, Vinay Mrutyunjaya, stated that the KSCA has no role in direct ticket sales to the public. The KSCA said it had taken note of the arrest of certain individuals and the naming of corporate entities in the case, and reiterated that ticket sales for IPL matches are handled by franchises and their authorised ticketing partners.

Only a limited number of tickets are allocated to the KSCA, which are distributed among cricket-playing clubs, permanent members, and certain statutory government agencies that provide services to the association. The KSCA further clarified that it has no direct or indirect connection with any of the organisations currently under investigation for illegal ticket sales. The individuals involved in the illegal activity are not members of the KSCA. The association said it would fully cooperate with investigating agencies and called for a thorough probe to identify the culprits and take strict legal action against those involved in the scam, Vinay Mrutyunjaya said.