THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The people who are making the most of the fan frenzy that the T20 international cricket match between India and New Zealand has kicked up are the black marketeers. On the eve of the match, which is to take place at Sports Hub, Trivandrum, tickets were being offered on Facebook and other social media platforms for twice the original price. The administrators of a Facebook page titled, ‘Unofficial: Adani Groups Vizhinjam International Seaport’, had advertised the availability of Rs 1,000 ticket for Rs 2,000. The post goes like this, “T20 tickets available. Selling price - Rs 2,000. Twenty tickets available.”
The administrator also posted the pictures of tickets. The lure of getting to watch an international match on the home ground saw many responding to the post. According to sources, many people are buying tickets without checking whether they are fake or not. The aforesaid FB page is not the only one. Sources said there are many groups on the Facebook and WhatsApp that are offering tickets. Many fans, who are yet to get tickets, said nearly a major chunk has been snapped up by the black marketeers. “Social media has become a platform for them to conduct the transaction,” they said.
The rates fluctuated throughout the day. Sources said the price of the tickets could even touch Rs 5,000 by Tuesday afternoon, the day of the match, since the demand is going to increase. Praveen, a tea shop owner at Sasthamangalam said he was approached by a man offering him the Rs 1,000 ticket for Rs 2,500. “This is not acceptable. I tried to buy the tickets.
But when I went to a Federal bank branch, they said the tickets got sold out earlier. I think tickets are being sold early to facilitate black marketeers,” Praveen said. Manoj Abraham, Thiruvananthapuram range IG, said this is a serious issue and the Cyberdome will be directed to look into it. “Strict action will be taken against the black marketeers. The social media platforms are being monitored for such illegal trade with the help of the Cyberdome,” said Manoj Abraham.