People responded to the Minister's remarks and the stadium remained empty as a result: KCA Chief

Days before India’s third ODI match against Sri Lanka at Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman made a rather controversial remark and stated that there’s no reason for the government to deduct tax and that people who are starving should not go and watch the game.

His comments were heavily criticised by the people on social media and many even called to boycott the game. Consequently, only 5000 tickets were sold and Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) chief Jayesh George was furious by it and blamed it on the Sports Minister, as he stated that people didn’t turn up because of his comments.

“The people responded to the Minister's remarks and the stadium remained empty as a result. They are not aware that the KCA is conducting the event,” the KCA president said.

However, George clarified that they didn’t inform the same to BCCI, but rather stated that it’s because of the festivals, and the CBSE exams that people didn’t turn up.

“KCA cannot officially blame the minister for the low ticket sale,” he added.

George also mentioned that India coach Rahul Dravid was also shocked after hearing that only 5000 tickets were sold for the third ODI.

In the meantime, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Mayor, Arya Rajendran, stated that the reason fans decided to opt out from the match is because India have already won the series. She also mentioned that the Minister’s comment wasn’t the reason behind the drop in sales. She also said that the tax rate was decided after discussions with the state government and KCA authority.

It was a loss to cricket and to those who love the sport: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor

Shashi Tharoor, who’s an ardent lover of the game of cricket, stated that people not turning up for the game was a huge loss. He mentioned that the Minister eventually got some headlines but eventually it was a loss for the game of cricket.

“People not turning up was a loss. It was not a loss for the Minister. He got some headlines. It was a loss to cricket and to those who love the sport,” Tharoor said.

For a better experience: Download the CricTracker app from the IOS App Store and Google Play Store