IND Vs ENG ODI at Barabati: Determined fans line up outside counters despite complete sell-out of tickets

Despite all offline tickets being sold out, enthusiastic cricket fans thronged ticket counters at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Thursday morning. Offline ticket sales officially closed yesterday after all the tickets were sold out, yet eager cricket fans remain hopeful, gathering in long queues.

Despite the complete sell-out of tickets yesterday, the excitement among cricket fans remains unabated as crowds continue to gather in hopes of catching a glimpse or securing a last-minute entry. In particular, counter No. 3 saw a significant line from early today.

The bustling scene at Counter No. 3, where fans are still queuing, highlights the unyielding passion for cricket in Odisha, especially as the whole country embraces the thrilling cricket season.

Also Read: Ind vs Eng ODI at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium: Offline tickets sold out, fans break barricades amid chaos & stampede

“We are queuing here in the hope that we might end up getting a ticket. We could not come yesterday. We did not know that the offline ticket sales had ended yesterday,” a cricket lover said.

Likewise, another two youths from Bhubaneswar said, “We did not know that the ticket sales had ended. We have been standing in the queue since last night 12 AM. The counter will open at 9 AM today. We hope we get the ticket.”

“We were here yesterday, but the police dispersed us after lathi-charge. So, we have come here today. The ticket sales were supposed to be on Feb 5 & 6,” another cricket lover said.

Despite the finality of ticket availability, the crowd's persistence reflects a cultural optimism and dedication to experiencing live matches, a sentiment deeply woven into the fabric of Indian cricket fandom.

This scenario is a testament to India's deep-rooted love for cricket, often considered more than a sport, symbolising unity and enthusiasm across the nation. Even when tickets are unavailable, fans remain hopeful, mirroring the undying spirit seen across sporting venues in the country.