Dharamsala fans show little interest in IPL tickets

As the city gears up to host its share of IPL matches, there seems to be little excitement among fans with majority of the tickets for the scheduled matches in Dharamsala are still unsold.

In comparison to the sell-out crowd for the IPL (Indian Premier League) matches held here during the previous edition, this year there have been hardly any ticket sales with the host team's - Kings XI Punjab - website still highlighting the availability in most of the six categories, ranging from Rs 650 to Rs 16,000.

KXIP is scheduled to play Delhi Daredevils on May 15 with Royal Challengers Bangalore and Deccan Chargers to follow on May 18 and 21 respectively.

Since all the teams except Bangalore face an uphill task to make it to the last four stage of the tournament, there seems to be lack of interest among the spectators. Even big names such Virender Sehwag and Adam Gilchrist are not proving to be much of a draw.

The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA), however, is confident of a full-house as there is still some time left before the first ball is bowled at the picturesque stadium on May 15.

"The situation can change overnight in T20 format, and as the matches for the city are still nine days away, it will be a house full show like last year," an official said.

On the other hand state administration has already started reviewing the arrangements for the smooth conduct of the matches.

The administration has ear marked space for three parking stations in and around Dharamsala. The locals have been asked to use public transport in place of their own vehicles to avoid any traffic chaos.

"To keep a vigil over the anti social elements we would employ 95 CCTV cameras in the parking places and on the main road crossings of the town," the state industries minister, Kishan Kapoor, revealed.