Protests erupt over BPL tickets, chaos at Mirpur stadium

With just 24 hours to go before the opening match of the 11th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), ticketing issues have led to chaos and protests at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Fans, frustrated by the lack of clarity on ticket sales, clashed with police in a series of confrontations on Sunday.

Although the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had promised both online and booth ticket sales, there was no confirmation until late in the day about how or where fans could purchase tickets. This uncertainty left thousands of spectators anxious, culminating in demonstrations and scuffles outside the stadium.

On Sunday morning, ticket hopefuls began gathering outside the ticket counters near the BCB Academy building, despite no official announcements regarding ticket availability. By midday, their patience wore thin as no BCB representatives appeared at the counters. The crowd then moved to Gate 2 of the stadium and began protesting.

Security personnel attempted to control the situation by shutting the gates, but frustrated fans forced their way inside, prompting the police to intervene. A series of chases and counter-chases followed as the authorities struggled to restore order.

Around 11:45 AM, the BCB released a statement, informing fans that tickets would be available online through the platform www.gobcbticket.com.bd. Additionally, tickets would be sold at seven branches of Madhumati Bank. Ticket prices were set between Tk 200 and Tk 2,000, depending on the category.

BCB Director Nazmul Abedeen Fahim apologised for the last-minute confusion, admitting, "The responsibility lies with us. Fans deserved this information much earlier. The delay is entirely our fault." He assured that the issue had been resolved and confirmed that both online and offline ticket sales were now operational.

Ticket sales and prices

Madhumati Bank branches began selling tickets from Sunday afternoon, with sales continuing on weekdays from 10 AM to 4 PM. The designated branches are located in Mirpur, Motijheel, Uttara, Gulshan, Dhanmondi, Kamrangirchar, and VIP Road (Paltan Scout Building).

Ticket prices are as follows:

• Grandstand (Lower and Upper): Tk 2,000
• International Gallery North (Media Block): Tk 1,000
• International Gallery South (Corporate Block): Tk 800
• Clubhouse North and South (Shaheed Mushtaque and Shaheed Jewel stands): Tk 500
• Southern and Northern Galleries: Tk 300
• Eastern Gallery: Tk 200
• Zero West Zone (Clubhouse South): Tk 600 (limited to 300 seats)

BCB has assured fans that this year's BPL will focus on their convenience. Affordable food options will be available in the stands, and free drinking water will be provided, with the support of nutritional partner Pran. However, the ticketing fiasco has raised questions about the board's organisational preparedness just a day before the tournament begins.