Dharamshala is gearing up for its first IPL match on May 5, with teams making their way to the picturesque venue. Punjab Kings XI and Chennai Super Kings are scheduled to arrive in Dharamshala on May 2, while Chennai Super Kings will reach a day later on May 3. The Royal Challengers Bangalore team is expected to reach Dharamshala on May 6 or 7 for their match on May 9.
Despite the excitement surrounding the matches, ticket sales have been a source of disappointment for many fans. Online sales for the Punjab Kings XI versus Chennai Super Kings match on May 5 have started, but fans have reported difficulties in securing tickets. Long queues online have not translated into successful purchases, with the company reportedly increasing ticket prices continuously.
For instance, tickets for the West Stand-2, originally priced at Rs 2000, are now being sold for Rs 3500. Similarly, North Pavilion Stand tickets, initially priced at Rs 4500, were first increased to Rs 5500 and are now being sold for Rs 6000. Prices for West Stand-1 and East Stand-3 have risen from Rs 7500 to Rs 10,000, and Pavilion Terrace tickets have increased from Rs 12,500 to Rs 15,000.
Avneesh Parmar, the General Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA), attributed the ticket price hikes to high demand from franchisees. He stated that the decision to increase prices was made due to overwhelming demand, indicating the strong interest in the upcoming matches at the venue.
