IPL 2023: Kolkata's Eden Gardens under scanner amid Press Box Ticket Black Allegations

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The iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata is under scrutiny after ticket black allegations. An exclusive report from OneIndia understands the Kolkata Knight Riders' home ground has been subjected to illegal ticket sales, and that also for the press box tickets.

The ongoing IPL 2023 is motoring along to its crunch phase. With the playoffs set to be played next week, Eden Gardens will see the final match of the season on Saturday (May 20). Home team KKR take on Lucknow Super Giants in a crucial match.

But the OneIndia report speaks about an incident that took place in KKR's match against Punjab Kings on May 8.

What Happened at Eden Gardens?

According to the report, the incident took place on May 8 in the IPL 2023 match between KKR and PBKS. Two persons entered the press box holding press box tickets amid a full house at the Eden Gardens. They were struggling to find their seat and that created doubt in some journalists' minds.

They took the matter to CAB's Media Manager Arindam Basu. Upon interrogation, one of those two admitted to buying the press box ticket from a cameraperson.

But the question has arisen how a press box ticket can be sold? All the press box tickets for journalists of various media houses are complimentary, and don't cost a penny. And more seriously, it is strictly for a media person.

Also, those two persons didn't have any media accreditation cards with them. How could they reach till Press Box without a card in their neck? It has also raised questions about Eden Gardens' security measurement. The allegations have been directed to the journalist of an unnamed media channel.

Eden Gardens will be under scrutiny

CAB president Snehasish Ganguly is said to be looking into the matter and has hinted strict actions. It can jeopardize Eden Gardens' chances of hosting a World Cup match later this year. The Kolkata stadium is one of the venues for the ODI World Cup, but this kind of serious offence can raise doubts in BCCI's mind.

Although a prompt and thorough action from CAB can be solicited, they will have to buckle up and ensure optimum security for the upcoming matches. The iconic ground has always exerted passionate support for KKR and India in the matches. And CAB has to ensure the supporters are not denied for their administrative shortcomings.