A case of black marketing of complimentary passes has come to light in DDCA.Image Credit source: PTI
There is a lot of demand for match tickets in every season of IPL and there is a lot of competition for it. Some fans get tickets, some don’t. Some also get special passes through their acquaintances. But among all these, there are some who buy these tickets at expensive prices in the ‘black market’. Every year there are reports of such black marketing of tickets and this time in IPL 2026, Delhi Police has revealed one such syndicate, which was selling ‘black’ tickets for the matches being played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Inquiry notice to DDCA officials
Delhi Police has made a sensational revelation, according to which this black marketing of tickets was being done by none other than some officials of Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA). According to the information, black marketing of free complimentary passes was being done on a large scale during the matches. The Crime Branch of Delhi Police has issued notices to two CEO level officers of DDCA and one of their assistants (PA) and called them for questioning in this case.
It is being told that DDCA gets about 6000 complimentary passes for every match and their complete control remains with these officials and the accounts section. Investigation has revealed that a syndicate from within DDCA used to decide the price of these complimentary passes based on the popularity of the match and players. For example, a complimentary pass in Virat Kohli’s match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals was sold for up to Rs 80 thousand. Whereas in other matches also they were being sold for Rs 8 to 20 thousand.
Such passes were sent for black marketing
Investigation has revealed that the passes given to DDCA are also issued in the names of some members who are either dead or live abroad. In such a situation, the passes sent to them return back to DDCA and these are then sold in black marketing at higher prices. In this case, on May 8, the police had arrested Mukim, Gufran and Mohammad Faisal while selling these passes from a petrol pump outside the stadium. This petrol pump pass distribution point was made. The police are also investigating whether passes are also provided to online betting gangs, pickpockets and other criminal elements.
How did the police get the lead?
The police conducted a special operation to unearth this syndicate, in which a fake customer was contacted. At a tire puncture shop, a person had claimed to this fake customer that he could get the ticket in black. In such a situation, the policeman asked about arrangements with 25 doctors and the person promised to do so. A complimentary pass was also shown as proof for this. Only after this the police raid started. DDCA’s gym trainer and some vendors are also under the suspicion of the crime branch.
