Stampede-like situation in Cuttack over India vs England ODI tickets
What's the story
A stampede-like situation broke out outside the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Wednesday, as thousands of cricket lovers queued up to buy offline tickets for the second ODI between India and England.
The match will be played on February 9.
The crowd grew so large that local police had to resort to water cannons to disperse it, per reports.
ETV Bharat reported that at least 10 people fell unconscious after the stampede-like situation broke out.
Twitter Post
Visuals of the crowd
कटक में दूसरे वनडे की टिकट के लिए भगदड़ जैसी स्थिति। 15 लोगों के घायल होने की सूचना आ रही है।#INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/BV2hPonUE1
— Abhishek Tripathi / अभिषेक त्रिपाठी (@abhishereporter) February 5, 2025
Overnight stay
Fans camp out overnight for tickets
The online ticket sales for the second ODI started on February 2. However, those who couldn't get their tickets online after hours of waiting, were given an opportunity to buy physical tickets on February 5 and 6.
As word of this opportunity spread, fans queued outside the stadium from early Wednesday morning.
Some even spent the night there to ensure they don't miss out on witnessing their favorite cricketers in action after a five-year hiatus at this venue.
Criticism
Local media criticizes Odisha Cricket Association's arrangements
Local media outlets have slammed the Odisha Cricket Association for poor arrangements.
Odisha TV reported that "irate locals blamed the administration for insufficient facilities for the people."
"We are requesting them for water, but there is no drinking water provision here. At least four persons had to be hospitalized," a fan said.
The upcoming ODI against England will be Cuttack's first international match in almost three years, the last one being a T20I against South Africa in 2022.