Preparations for IPL matches complete: OCA

Cuttack: The Odisha Cricket Association on Tuesday said that the preparations for two IPL matches to be held at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, are complete.
The two matches would be held on March 19 and 21.

Briefing newsmen here, OCA honourary secretary Ashirwad Behera said that this is a matter of pride for any state cricket association to conduct such high profile matches for the first time.

We have not left any stone unturned to make the Deccan Charger matches with Kings XI of Punjab and Delhi Dare Devils match on March 19 and 21, respectively, he added.

Though IPL tickets are available in internet but as per the request of the Association the Deccan Chargers has been decided to sell the 20,000 wickets for the public on March 13 at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack and Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

Referring to the capacity of the Barabati Stadium and ticket distribution arrangement,
Behera said that due to the construction work the seat capacity has reduced by 3,000 and the capacity has gone down to 36,000.

Of the total capacity, 20,000 would be available for public.

The denomination of tickets would vary from Rs 600 (Gallery) to Rs 10,000 (Corporate Box).

Tickets for the public will be sold at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack and Kalinga Stadium here from March 13 at the rate of two tickets per person of each match till the end of the tickets.

Affiliated State Association and BCCI, IPL franchise will get 8,000 tickets each.

Any individual or groups interested in purchasing tickets for new pavilion, special enclosure, Club House and corporate box in advance.

Cheer girls are an integral part of the IPL matches.

While the Seva Sena activist of Maharashtra are agreed with BCCI.

The state local parties are trying to make issue out of the situation.

We are having all respect for their views but the cheer girls will be in the matches, said Behera.

Spectators are requested to come without any water pouches, liquor, cigarettes and bottles to the stadium.

Each individual has to cross many security points before entering the main gate, said
Association president Ranjib Biswal.

Other than the match sponsors company loge and the posters are allowed in the stadium.

Anybody carrying or wearing the competitors brand will not be allowed inside the stadium, he added.

Biswal also requested the peace loving spectators of the state not to use any racial statement during the tournament.