Grand venue, for a grand marquee clash

The buzz is immense. And cricket enthusiasts in Bengaluru are eagerly anticipating the first World Cup game in the Garden City on Friday. The highly anticipated match between Australia and Pakistan has generated significant interest among fans, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association, which is hosting the match, hopes for a packed stadium.

Pakistan, coming off a loss to India in Ahmedabad, has trained intensively under lights in Bengaluru, recognizing the need to bounce back. Australia, after two consecutive losses, secured their first victory against Sri Lanka and is now aiming for another win.

KSCA president Raghuram Bhat stated that the response to the match has been excellent. “More than 70 percent of the tickets have been purchased through ICC’s partner, BookMyShow. The management committee has decided to sell 3,000 additional tickets to the public, in addition to the KSCA quota,” said Bhat.

Ticket prices range from Rs 1,000 to Rs 25,000, including 28% GST. Approximately 60% of the tickets are priced below Rs 1,000, 20% fall between Rs 1,000 and Rs 9,000, and the remaining 20% are sold at Rs 9,000 to Rs 25,000,” explained managing committee member MS Keshava.

Keshava mentioned that there is high demand for tickets to India’s match against the Netherlands, the final league clash scheduled for November 12 at Chinnaswamy stadium. “It is the only India game in the city and fans will line up for the final action before the semis,” said Keshava.

Keshava also revealed that KSCA has allocated a separate stand for Australian fans. “Following a request from Aussie fans, the BCCI asked KSCA to provide a separate stand, and we readily agreed,” said Keshava.

Satisfied with all the arrangements, Bhat highlighted the new roof on the Western stand and the addition of food stalls by renowned eatery Udupi Krishna Bhavan and IDC. “The aim is to make the experience enjoyable, affordable, and convenient for the spectators,” said Bhat.

Brand new and swanky

Another achievement showcased by the managing committee is the newly-built media lounge, which has received praise from foreign journalists covering the game. They noted that the media lounge is the best in India and meets international standards. “It is very cool and top class,” commented an Australian journalist.

In addition to the roofing and media lounge, KSCA has renovated the restrooms in most stands to maintain cleanliness and elevate hygiene standards. “KSCA strives to accommodate all our patrons. We understand the importance of meeting spectators’ requirements, and we have provided meals to hundreds of spectators during a Ranji Trophy game last season, and we will continue to do so,” said Bhat, adding that the committee is devising plans to increase spectator attendance at domestic games.

World Cup special Metro rides

In anticipation of the World Cup matches in the city over five days, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) will issue return journey paper tickets. These tickets will be available for purchase at all Metro stations from 7 am onwards. The paper tickets are valid for a single journey from Cubbon Park or MG Road Metro station to any other Metro station starting from 4 pm onwards on the same day of issue. Additionally, QR code tickets can be purchased at normal rates with a 5% discount on the day of the match and will be valid for the entire day. QR tickets can be bought on Whatsapp/Namma Metro App/PayTM before the start of the cricket match.