ODI World Cup 2023: Lucknow Police arrests individual involved in selling counterfeit tickets for the India vs England match

An unnamed individual has been arrested for selling counterfeit tickets at inflated prices for the highly anticipated World Cup cricket match between England and India, at Lucknow's Ekana Stadium. Law enforcement has revealed that approximately 100 other websites are now under investigation, with the cybercrime division of the Lucknow police actively pursuing leads to identify their operators.

The Lucknow police have revealed that fraudulent ticket sales were conducted through the website iccworldcuptickets.com over the past few weeks. This deceptive website, aimed at deceiving cricket fans, was uncovered by law enforcement, prompting the filing of an FIR against unidentified individuals at the Sushant Golf City police station. The FIR was lodged by Sub-Inspector Dhirendra Pratap Singh in anticipation of the critical match scheduled for Sunday, according to Joint Commissioner of Police Upendra Agarwal.

Providing additional information, Singh explained that the fraudulent website was skillfully designed to lure cricket enthusiasts, despite prior advisories recommending the official ticket booking partner, 'BookMyShow,' for purchasing World Cup tickets. This design made it easy for people to fall for the scam, disregarding the official guidance. According to Singh, the deceptive websites misled individuals by presenting tickets in six different categories, priced between Rs 2,811 and Rs 50,000.

Also Check: ODI World Cup 2023 Schedule

Social media accounts and sites under scanner as demand for World Cup tickets rise

In contrast, authentic tickets typically cost Rs 499 for East and West upper blocks, and Rs 40,000 for North Corporate boxes. A particular website is advertising rates of Rs 25,000 and Rs 30,000 for upper and lower row tickets, and Rs 85,000 for North Lower hospitality and South Lower hospitality. Law enforcement has initiated an investigation into this counterfeit social media site, according to police officials.

Prashant Kumar, the Special Director General of Law and Order for the Uttar Pradesh Police stated that both state police special units and the Lucknow police are monitoring suspicious social media accounts engaged in the illicit resale of World Cup cricket tickets for Ekana Stadium. He cautioned that individuals engaged in such actions would face severe consequences.