IND vs NZ: 11 nabbed by police for alleged illegal ticket selling near Eden Gardens

Eleven people were arrested for allegedly selling match tickets illegally in the vicinity of Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the venue for the third and final T20I between India and New Zealand on November 21.

An Indian Express report claims as many as “Sixty match tickets, being sold at a higher rate, were seized from those arrested.” Following the incident, security at the stadium as well as surrounding areas has been increased to avoid any further mischief.

“Over 2,000 personnel of the Kolkata Police’s different units, including RAF and HRFS were deployed. Sleuths of the Anti-Rowdy Squad were also posted near the stadium,” a senior police officer was quoted as saying.

“Senior officers of the rank of Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners were also deployed at the stadium and nearby areas,” the officer added. “Officers in plain clothes are also at different places around Eden Gardens. We are not taking any chance and want to ensure that the sporting event takes place smoothly.”

The Eden Gardens is hosting an international match for the first time in two years, for which special preparations have been put in place. The West Bengal government announced through a notification their decision to relax the Covid-19-enforced movement restrictions.

“In view of the 3rd T-20 international cricket match between India and New Zealand at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on November 21, 2021, restrictions relating to the movement of people and vehicles between 11 pm to 5 am shall be relaxed for 2 hours from 11 pm of November 21 to 1 am of November 22 for spectators, players, match officials, organisers and other persons associated with the said match,” a state government notification issued on Saturday read.

CAB president Avishek Dalmiya further revealed the various arrangements ensured by the organizing authority to ensure a smooth and safe experience for the attendees.

“There will be a quarantine facility in the hotel, staff there and staff at the stadium would also have to follow the quarantine rules. There would be a channel from where they [the teams] will be going to the ground. Not the regular entry that they take from the Club House, it will be from Gate No. 17, and they will be going to the dressing room through the interiors,” CAB president Avishek Dalmiya had told Sportskeeda recently.

“It’s not just the sporting organization that lays the norms, so it has to be whatever the current protocols and guidelines issued by the state and other government agencies, those will be followed. We are keeping one seat vacant after every three occupied seats that are already there for the social distancing. There will be temperature checking at the gates also, and we are planning to give out masks and sanitizers for free to everyone who’s entering the stadium,” he added.