England Fans Unhappy With Costly £50 Tickets For Test Matches In Sri Lanka

England fans are unhappy with the difference in the ticket price for the English fans and the native fans for this winter’s series in Sri Lanka.

According to Daily Mail, England’s famous Barmy Army have told their members to wait before booking their winter trips while they lead the protests against an exorbitant Sri Lankan ticketing policy. Sri Lanka, through a ticketing agent, want to charge English fans £50 a day for the Tests in Colombo, Galle and Kandy which start in November.

On the other hand, the local fans need to fork out just £1.50 for the same games. Not only that, Sri Lanka have also directed that England fans would not be allowed to mix with home supporters in their fan zones.

This is not the first time, the English fans have faced such a situation. Six years ago, they paid the £25 per day they were asked to after accepting that there should be a ‘tourist tax’. However, the fans are not ready to accept the exorbitant ticket pricing this time around.

“It’s totally farcical. They are trying to rip off English fans,” Barmy Army managing director Chris Millard said.

“We’re also being told we can’t go on the grassy banks where the cheaper seats are. But a lot of our members like to sit with home supporters and enjoy the banter,” he added.

The Barmy Army have highlighted the situation to the England and Wales Cricket Board. However, Millard is yet to hear in the last two months.

Consequently, he has set up a petition to spread awareness.

“We would never suggest a boycott because we will support the team all over the world whatever the cost,” added Millard. “But a lot of people will be watching in Galle from the fort overlooking the ground.

“We just hope Sri Lanka will follow the example of Notts on the last day of the third Test the other day at Trent Bridge and revise their policy.”

England, meanwhile, are currently playing five-Test series against India in their backyard. The hosts currently lead the series 2-1. The fourth match of the series would get underway on August 30 in Southampton.