All tickets for the T20 International match between South Africa and India on Sunday have been sold out, according to an official. According to Devajit Saikia, secretary of the Assam Cricket Association (ACA), the transparent way the tickets were offered has further boosted the excitement among cricket enthusiasts.

“We are expecting a full house. Out of about 38,000 seats, 21,200 were for the general public and the tickets were sold online in two phases. The tickets were sold out in no time,” he said. Through the district associations, an additional 12,000 tickets were made available to the general public and were sold at counters. “Usually, 40-50 per cent of tickets sent to the districts return unsold. This time, hardly 100 tickets have come back to us,” Saikia said.

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The remaining tickets are provided to state associations, and some are distributed as free passes to distinguished invitees and visitors, he continued. The ACA Stadium in Guwahati can hold 39,500 people, but 1,500 of those are "dead seats" since they can't see the field.

“The fact that the ticket sale was completely transparent ensured that genuine lovers of the game will get an opportunity to watch their favourite players in action. There is unprecedented enthusiasm among them,” Saikia claimed. He claimed that since the previous game held there in January 2020 was postponed, the crowd's enthusiasm has increased.

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With all agencies collaborating, he claimed that traffic management, security, and crowd control could all be done safely. The match day falls during Durga Puja, hence extra preparations have been done for every aspect, he continued. According to Saikia, a high-scoring game is anticipated, and ACA is prepared to provide the spectators with excitement in addition to that provided by the players on the field.

“We have a crowd entertainment system in place. DJs will be playing and fireworks will be on display. It will run throughout the match. We are expecting a good game,” he said. PTI SSG SOM

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