Police Lathicharge Frenzied CWC Fans Once Again

March 9, 2011

Police at the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup have clashed with hundreds of fans once again, this time seeking tickets for India’s World Cup showdown against South Africa on Tuesday, highlighting the country’s inability to handle the huge demand for seats.

Twelve days after similar scenes were witnessed in Bangalore when fans were lathicharged when caught in a frenzy for the host nations game against England, stick-wielding police battered fans in front of the ticket counter at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium.

Ticket sales for the February 19-April 2 tournament have proven to be a major headache for Indian organisers, who are unable to meet demand for the high-profile matches, especially those featuring the home team as well as the April 2 final in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

Tuesday’s episode is likely to raise further questions about the way tickets are being distributed in the cricket-crazy nation.