Abu Dhabi: IPL tickets with a face value of Dh80 are being sold for as much as Dh1,500 through a website in the UAE.
An official from the Department of Economic Development (DED) warned such scalping of tickets is illegal as opportunists looks to make a buck out of the popularity of the competition.
“As it is anywhere in the world, buying tickets in bulk and selling them at three or four times higher the original price is illegal. It is illegal to buy a large quantity of tickets online, so people tend to use false names,” said the official.
“We regularly monitor websites to check the illegal sale of tickets, especially when it comes to sports events, but we urge the public to also notify us as if they come across any such advertisements."
Cashing in on the huge demand for tickets, some people have put advertisements online with hugely inflated price tags. A South Panoramic East tickets worth Dh80 at the Abu Dhabi Cricket Stadium for the opening match between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders are being sold for Dh1,500.
The ad read: “Indian Premier League Cricket - IPL Tickets 2014. Opening match + Opening ceremony in Abu Dhabi Zayed Stadium; Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders; South Panoramic East Stand - The best in the stadium. Two tickets available: One ticket = 1500 Dhs. Two tickets = 3000 Dhs.”
When Gulf News contacted the person at the number posted on the website, he revealed that the tickets were ‘available’ but immediately ended the call when asked why he was selling at a higher rate.
A Platinum ticket with a face value of Dh250 for the double-header on the April 19 in Dubai (Royal Challengers Bangalore versus Mumbai Indians followed by Kolkata Knight Riders versus Delhi Daredevils) was going for Dh750.
The ad was posted with a picture of the seating arrangement at the stadium reading: “Platinum Tickets (next to media area) for 19th April double header. 4 tickets available, Dh750 per ticket."
“This is a very prominent area and next to the media area. If you go online you can see. It is worth it,” said a man when contacted over the phone.
For the same match and the same platinum tickets, another person had posted: “I have 6 Platinum IPL tickets for the matches (Mumbai versus Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders versus Delhi Daredevils) on 19th April. Dh1,250 each."
In several ads people have expressed their desire to buy tickets at a higher rate. “IPL Tickets Wanted - MI V/S CSK (Platinum or Premium) - AED 1,000 read one ad.”
Meanwhile, the 100,000th ticket for the UAE games was sold on Tuesday, according to a BCCI press release.
— With inputs from Mariam M. Serkal, Senior Reporter
