Bengaluru: As the tech city gears up for the high-octane IPL 2026 season opener, a different kind of power play is unfolding within the halls of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. Angry legislators have sparked a massive row, accusing the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) of “disrespecting” elected representatives by denying them complimentary VIP passes and forcing them to mingle with the “general public.”
The controversy was ignited on Thursday by Congress MLA Kashappanavar Vijayananda Shivashankarappa, who slammed the KSCA for failing to provide designated tickets for MLAs, ministers, and their families ahead of the March 28 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
“We can’t go and stand in queues like the general public,” Shivashankarappa told news agency ANI, voicing his frustration over protocol. He recalled a previous incident where legislators were allegedly forced to wait in line only to be relegated to a “common gallery.”
The MLA argued that while the KSCA relies heavily on government resources, including land, infrastructure, and heavy police security, it fails to extend basic “protocol” courtesies to the state’s lawmakers.
Beyond the issue of VIP seating, Shivashankarappa levelled serious corruption charges against the cricket association. He claimed that while the official price for certain seats is Rs 5,000, tickets are being siphoned off to middlemen and online channels, where they are being sold in the black market for as much as Rs 35,000.
“They are taking all facilities from the government but not respecting the representatives,” he alleged, calling for transparency in how tickets are distributed.
The grievance found resonance across party lines, leading Speaker UT Khader to take immediate action. Acknowledging that MLAs often face “indignity” and a lack of recognition by stadium staff at entry points, the Speaker issued a formal directive to the state government.
The mandate is clear that the government must ensure that every MLA is provided with at least four VIP tickets for matches held at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, along with proper seating arrangements that reflect their status.
The state’s top brass has been quick to respond to the legislative outcry. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar assured the House that he would personally intervene. “I will immediately speak to KSCA officials and update the House,” Shivakumar said, asserting that seeking such facilities is a legitimate right of the legislators.
The political firestorm comes just days before the first ball is bowled. IPL 2026 is scheduled to kick off on March 28 at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium.