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Hyderabad Police have arrested four people for allegedly selling complimentary tickets for the fourth T20I between the India National Cricket Team and the West Indies National Cricket Team at high prices in the black market.
The fourth T20I match of the ongoing five-match T20I series between India and West Indies is scheduled to take place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Wednesday (October 14), but the accused allegedly tried to make money by selling tickets marked “NOT FOR SALE."
Hyderabad Police arrest 4 in ticket black-marketing case ahead of 4th IND vs WI T20I
As reported by ANI, the Goshamahal Police arrested all four accused on October 13 and seized 11 cricket match passes during the operation. The police also recovered eight passes for a Navratri event, Rs 5,000 in cash, four mobile phones, and a scooter, among other items.
The police revealed that the scam came to light after Assistant Sub-Inspector V Janardhan Naik received information about the alleged illegal sale of complimentary tickets near SD Mall in Begum Bazar on October 12. During patrolling at around 9 pm, Naik and police constable G Sai Kumar reached the spot and caught Avinash Darak, 24, and Mohit Somani, 30.
Darak and Somani revealed that they had received the cricket tickets from Akarshit Srivastava. Police said the tickets were being advertised on social media at much higher prices to attract buyers.
Hyderabad Cricket Association member supplied complimentary tickets for black marketing
The investigation further revealed that Akarshit had allegedly obtained the complimentary tickets from his father, Satish Chandra Srivastava, who is a member of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
Akarshit allegedly supplied the tickets to Darak, who advertised them online with the help of his brother-in-law, Somani. Interested buyers were then contacted through social media, and the tickets were allegedly sold at inflated prices.
The four accused—Akarshit Srivastava, Avinash Darak, Mohit Somani, and Satish Chandra Srivastava—were arrested on October 13 and sent to judicial custody. Goshamahal Police registered a case under Sections 112(1) and 318(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 21(gg) of the CP Act. Earlier, West Indies announce squad for Bangladesh Tests, Kevin Wickham earns maiden call-up.
Hyderabad Police issue strict warning to fans over India vs West Indies T20I tickets
The investigation is still underway. Hyderabad Police have also warned the Indian fans against purchasing tickets from unauthorized sellers on social media. Fans have been advised to buy tickets only through official channels. The police have made it clear that buying or selling complimentary passes marked “NOT FOR SALE” could lead to legal action.
The incident left many stunned before the fourth T20I between India and the West Indies in Hyderabad. The Men in Blue are currently leading the five-match T20I series 2-1 after winning the third game by 14 runs in Indore against the Caribbean side.
Now, the Indian team will aim to win the fourth match to take an unassailable lead, while the West Indies will look to level the series before the fifth and final T20I in Bengaluru on Saturday, October 17.
