The security at Arun Jaitley stadium has been increased (Courtesy: Getty)Robert Cianflone

IPL 2026: Delhi cricket director alleges ticket fraud during DC vs MI clash

DDCA director Anand Verma alleges ticket fraud during the Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians IPL 2026 match at Arun Jaitley Stadium after valid ticket holders were denied entry over duplicate scans.

09 Apr 2026, 11:52 by Alan Jose John · India Today

In Short

DDCA director Anand Verma accuses ticket fraud during IPL match
Valid ticket holders denied entry due to duplicate ticket usage
Complaint lodged with Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central District)

Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) director Anand Verma has accused unauthorised persons of ticket fraud during the Delhi Capitals versus Mumbai Indians match on Saturday, April 4, at the Arun Jaitley stadium. Verma claimed that valid ticket holders were denied entry as duplicates of their passes were used by others to gain access.

Verma lodged a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central District), stating that he and his guests, despite holding valid tickets for the hospitality section, were barred entry during the match that DC won. He alleged that the tickets in his possession had already been scanned and used by unknown individuals.

In his complaint, Verma said, "When the Complainant and his guests arrived at the designated entry gate of the stadium, they were illegally stopped and denied entry by the security personnel manning the entry point." He added, "Upon enquiry, the Complainant was shocked to learn that the two complimentary physical tickets in his possession had already been scanned and used for entry by some unknown and unauthorised persons."

After discovering the issue, Verma contacted DDCA Chief Financial Officer Manan Gupta and informed him about the fraudulent use of tickets. He also brought the matter to the attention of DDCA president Rohan Jaitley.

Verma stated, "Mr. Manan Gupta, instead of taking immediate action, provided the complainant with the contact details of one Mr. Bhushan, who is stated to be the DDCA in-charge for handling all tickets... but no fruitful or satisfactory explanation was provided by him regarding the prior scanning and use of the tickets."

He described the misuse of complimentary tickets as a breach of trust and a security risk. Verma said, "...it demonstrates a complete breakdown of internal controls... the collusion of security personnel in this fraudulent activity is a matter of grave concern... Their complicity in allowing unauthorised individuals to gain entry by fraudulent means compromises the entire security apparatus of the stadium, posing a significant risk to public safety."

WHAT DID DDCA SAY ABOUT THE ISSUE?

Responding to the allegations, DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma called the incident a technical issue. He told PTI, "Delhi Capitals have communicated to us that it was a technical issue. Sometimes the scanner fails to read the barcode."

Delhi Capitals are scheduled to play five more matches in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season at the Arun Jaitley stadium.

- Ends