The Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium was awash with a vibrant sea of red as thousands of enthusiastic fans poured into the venue. Clad in their team’s colors and jerseys, the supporters created a stunning visual display of unity and passion. They had gathered to witness the eagerly anticipated final of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where the Comilla Victorians were set to face off against Fortune Barishal. The atmosphere was electric, with excitement palpable in every corner of the stadium as fans awaited what promised to be a thrilling and memorable conclusion to the BPL season.
The 25,000-seat stadium was completely filled during the game, highlighting the genuine commitment of the fans. For many, attending the match was with significant hurdles. Some supporters had to brave considerable disarray, standing in extensive queues that tested their patience and even contending with police interventions as they tried to secure their tickets. The situation was exacerbated for others who found themselves at the mercy of ticket scalpers, paying exorbitant amounts—five to six times the standard price—to get their hands on a ticket. Despite these challenges, the overwhelming turnout underscored the intense enthusiasm and unwavering dedication of the fans who flocked to see the highly anticipated match.
Tickets for the highly anticipated final were released for purchase at the venue on Thursday, the day before the big match. The counters were supposed to open at 9:30 am but opened at noon due to unforeseen delays. As soon as ticket sales began, the demand proved to be overwhelming. Within a short period, the ticket sellers had to announce that all tickets had been sold out, leaving many fans disappointed and unable to secure their spots for the game. The swift sell-out highlighted the intense interest in the match and the challenges those trying to obtain tickets faced.
The announcement that tickets had sold out quickly sparked outrage among the crowd, creating a tense and chaotic atmosphere. In response to the escalating frustration and unrest, the police intervened to restore order. They moved in forcefully, charging at the agitated fans to manage the situation and disperse the growing turmoil. The confrontation between the police and the angry crowd further intensified the scene as security efforts were ramped up to regain control and ensure safety at the venue.
After the crowd disturbances, the counters resumed ticket sales in the afternoon, but there was a shortage of available tickets.
On the day of the final, dedicated fans began forming lines for tickets as early as five to six hours before the game’s scheduled start. The anticipation was palpable as supporters braved the long wait, hoping to secure a spot for the highly anticipated match. However, many of these fans could not secure tickets despite their enduring patience and the hours spent in line. The overwhelming demand, coupled with the limited ticket availability, meant that, despite their best efforts, many were left empty-handed and unable to attend the game they had eagerly awaited.
Some fans had bought ticket tokens online but reported that, due to the commotion, they could not collect the actual tickets at the online counter next to the stadium entrance gate.
The counters were shut down at one point because of the long lines and limited ticket availability. Meanwhile, ticket scalpers had no such shortage and continued to sell tickets at inflated prices.
“We can provide even 600 tickets. How many do you need?” A ticket scalper informed a reporter.
The Eastern Stand tickets were officially priced at Tk 300, but ticket scalpers sold them for 1500-1800 each.
Tickets for the Club House, priced initially at Tk 800, were being sold for Tk 2000 or more, while Grand Stand tickets, set at Tk 2500, were being resold on the black market for Tk 3500-5000.
“I have been looking for tickets since the morning. But they are charging Tk 1500 for tickets that are originally priced at Tk 300. We said we will give them Tk 1000 but they replied that we should get it now as later the same tickets would cost Tk 2000 each,” Faisal, who traveled from Patuakhali for the final, shared with reporters outside the stadium.
BCB officials were unavailable for comment on the ticketing chaos.
However, the fans who did manage to secure tickets were in high spirits. One Barishal supporter chanted, “We will not let go, the trophy is going to Barishal”. The Comilla fans retorted. “The fifth star is coming.”
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