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Warning on counterfeit tickets: Desperate fans stumped by forgers

by Tharika Goonathilake

Cricket crazy Lankans desperate to obtain last minute tickets for today's game between Australia and Sri Lanka could find themselves on a bad wicket if they buy counterfeits in the black market.

The warning comes in the wake of indications that large numbers of counterfeit tickets are being sold by unscrupulous forgers keen on cashing in on the high demand for tickets.

Following Sri Lanka's win over Pakistan on September 12 the demand for tickets for today's semi-final had reached fever pitch with tickets being sold out as early as last week.

"Among the authentic tickets resold at higher prices there could be a large number of counterfeits. People should not fall prey to these unscrupulous elements in their desperation to obtain tickets," Cricket Board sources told the Daily News yesterday.

"Special in-built security measures have been used in printing the tickets. Detection equipment have also been installed to check the authenticity of the tickets at the gates," the sources warned.

"Fans had the opportunity of booking tickets in advance through the Cricket Board. Tickets were also distributed through the 26 Cargills outlets. However, those who missed this opportunity, but are desperate to obtain tickets should be careful when buying tickets in the black market," Cricket Board sources said.

According to Daily News investigations, with cricket fever reaching new heights, fans are paying between Rs 800- 1000 for block A/B and C/D tickets and even Rs 3000-Rs 4000 for complimentary tickets for the Grand Stand at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Tickets for the Grand Stand have been issued only to the global sponsors on a complimentary basis under ICC contractual obligations.

However, cricket crazy Sri Lankans are paying exorbitant sums to savour the finest moments of their cricketing heroes in action.

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