Finance
The Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) declared on Sunday that preparations for the India vs South Africa T20 encounter, which will take place at Barabati Stadium on December 9, are nearing completion. The association stated that it is completely equipped to host the event effectively.
OCA Secretary Sanjay Behera informed the media that the participants would arrive in Bhubaneswar in three stages. While some players will arrive between December 5 and 6, T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Abhishek Sharma are expected on December 5. The remaining players will arrive on December 7, with a practice session planned at Barabati Stadium that evening. On December 8, South Africa will practice net in the afternoon, followed by the Indian team at 5:30 p.m.
“All security arrangements have been finalized and players will be welcomed with cultural programs,” Behera said.
For the match, 42,695 tickets have been printed. However, 3,000 tickets have been withheld for security reasons. Online ticket sales will begin on December 1, while offline sales will start on December 5 at six designated counters at the stadium.
Ticket prices range from Rs 700 for Gallery 7 to Rs 1,200 for Gallery 5, with premium enclosures including the Special Enclosure at Rs 6,000, AC Box at Rs 8,000, New Pavilion at Rs 10,000, and Corporate Box at Rs 20,000. Each person can purchase a maximum of two tickets and ticketing has been assigned to the company “District by Zomato.”
Gallery 6’s capacity has been reduced due to structural concerns, while tickets for associated sports organizations, schools, and colleges have been increased. Both teams will overnight at Mayfair Hotels in Bhubaneswar and commute to Barabati Stadium on separate busses with heavy security. The match is insured for Rs 50 crore.
CCTV cameras will be put along all four roadways heading from the stadium entrance. Galleries 1, 2, 6, and 7 will be open for net practice. Fire safety and medical plans are in place, with teams from KIMS Hospital and SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack on duty. Drinking water will be accessible in all galleries, and food will be offered outside the stadium.
OCA President Pankaj Lochan Mohanty and Secretary Sanjay Behera met the media, reassuring cricket fans that the event will be secure and well-organized.
