IPL 2026: Tickets for DC-RCB clash sold at over INR 80,000 on black market, DDCA official involved in ticketing racket

A top official of the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) has reportedly been involved in the sale of more than 1,000 complimentary IPL match tickets, some for in excess of Rs 80,000.

As per a report by The Indian Express, four people have been arrested by the Delhi Police for an alleged black-market ticketing scam, which now sees the potential involvement of a DDCA official. 

The investigation began after tickets were sold at exorbitant prices ahead of the Delhi Capitals’ game against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 27. A source close to the Delhi Police revealed that the ticketing racket was allegedly led by a top DDCA Official.

“This was a very systematic racket with this DDCA official at the top. Depending on the star value of the game and players, the rates of the ticket would be decided. Closer to the start of the game, they would charge more," the source was quoted as saying to the Indian Express, via MoneyControl.

As per the BCCI norms, the home franchise provides 10 to 15 per cent of the total tickets per match to the host association. The report further added that more than 1,000 such tickets have been sold in a black market ticketing operation. The source also stated that prices ranged from INR 8,000 to an excess of INR 80,000 based on the demand and lucrativeness of the concerned game.

"Before the Royal Challengers Bengaluru game, with Virat Kohli the major attraction, they charged at least Rs 80,000 for one ticket. We also learnt that the price ranged from Rs 8,000 to Rs 80,000, depending on the match and the demand," the source added. 

This comes after a canteen worker at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium was arrested by Bengaluru Police in connection with an alleged black market racket of tickets, with a KSCA member also involved in the operation. Tickets were purchased in bulk as corporate bookings and were then sold illegally on the black market.