Cricket fans across Odisha were left disappointed after online tickets for the much-awaited India vs South Africa T20 match at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, sold out within minutes of their release. The high-voltage clash is scheduled for December 9, and demand for seats far exceeded the limited online availability.
Reports indicate that over 40,000 fans attempted to book tickets online, while only 2,000 tickets were released during the initial phase. With a limit of two tickets per person, the intense rush caused the entire quota to vanish almost instantly, leaving thousands of enthusiastic supporters unable to secure seats.
The overwhelming demand once again highlighted the region’s strong passion for international cricket.
A cricket fan from Rourkela shared, “It’s not feasible for us to travel 350–400 km just to buy offline tickets. The number of online tickets should be increased so more people can access them conveniently.”
Another resident echoed this concern, urging the authorities to raise the online quota to at least 20,000 to better serve fans living far from Cuttack.
Fans who managed to book tickets online can collect physical copies from designated counters at Cambridge School, Cuttack, on December 8 and 9.
Meanwhile, the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) will distribute 11,000 tickets among its affiliated units on December 4. For the general public, 10,000 offline tickets will be available at counters near Barabati Stadium on December 5. In total, 42,000 tickets have been allocated for the match.
With seats in high demand and cricket fever rising, the December 9 face-off between India and South Africa is expected to draw a packed stadium and deliver an exciting contest for fans across the state.
The rapid sell-out of online tickets underscores not only the popularity of cricket in Odisha but also the growing reliance on digital ticketing platforms. It further highlights the need for a smooth, accessible, and transparent ticketing system for major sporting events.
