Hundreds of fans clashed in front of the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Monday, the opening day of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), because they could not buy tickets at the designated branches of a private bank.
Historically, BCB struggled to ensure a smoother flow of BPL tickets in the past. They failed to do so once again.
Police had to use batons to disperse the crowd of fans who broke the main gate of the stadium, and they also reportedly barred the car of a national team cricketer. But it is not clear if the cricketer was inside the car during the incident.
Yesterday, fans demonstrated for tickets too when the board did not provide official information about ticket sales. The BCB issued a press release only in the afternoon detailing where and how fans could purchase tickets.
This year, fans can buy tickets from online platforms and seven branches of a private bank. But, as fans said, they were not able to get tickets from the Mirpur branches, which angered them.
For online buyers, tickets can be accessed through the official website (www.gobcbticket.com.bd).
Hard copies of tickets are being sold at designated Modhumoti Bank PLC branches. On Sunday, tickets were made available between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. On Monday, the opening day of BPL, sales will continue from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The branches facilitating sales include those located in Mirpur, Motijheel, Uttara, Gulshan, Dhanmondi, Kamrangirchar, and on VIP Road in Paltan. Fans are advised to visit the branch closest to them during the specified hours.
In the opening match of the event, the defending champions Fortune Barishal is taking on newcomer Durbar Rajshahi.
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