IND vs NZ: Hyderabad ODI tickets to be sold 'online-only' to avoid stampede-like situation

For the 1st ODI between India and New Zealand, all tickets will be sold online starting from January 13 at 5 pm to January 16. The decision was taken by the President of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) and former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin on 11th January.

The former India captain took a cue from the ticketing fiasco at the Gymkhana grounds in September 22, 2022 for the third India vs Australia match that left scores of spectators injured while trying to buy tickets. 

“We have rectified the mistakes that happened last time,” Azharuddin said referring to the stampede fiasco.

It was reported that around 20 cricket fans were injured and a couple fainted. Seven people were allegedly admitted to a hospital. It has been alleged that tickets offline were sold in black which led to the stampede-like situation.

Hyderabad is hosting an ODI match after a gap of four years

To keep a check on the ticket sales, as against the 29,417 seating capacity of the stadium, 29,417 tickets will be put on sale. On being questioned about black-ticket sales from the unfortunate Gymkhana incident, the HCA was quick to dust off its shoulders stating that it had no inclination or responsibility in this regard and that the contract was entrusted to a third party and they were handling it.

On the first day on January 13, 6,000 tickets will go on sale and 7,000 each on January 14 and 15.

Hyderabad will be hosting an ODI match after a gap of four years and the officials said they are making all arrangements to make the match a grand success. 

New Zealand will have their first practice session on January 15 while the Indian team will arrive in the city on January 16.