Thiruvananthapuram ∙ Opposition leader V.D.Sathisan criticized Sports Minister V.Abdurahiman’s statement regarding the ticket price at the Kariyavattam Greenfield Stadium, where the India-Sri Lanka 3rd ODI was held. He wrote on Facebook that ‘Sports Minister should not question the self-esteem of Malayalis’.
“Sports Minister said that those who are hungry should not come to watch the game. The game was played in front of an empty gallery. Don’t question the self-esteem of the Malayalees anymore” said Sathisan.
Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh tweeted expressing his concern over the decrease in the number of spectators at the stadium. In a tweet congratulating Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli who scored centuries in the match, he pointed out that the stadium was half empty and asked ‘Is ODI cricket coming to an end?’
This time, not even one-fifth of the tickets for sale were sold at the 40,000-seat Kariyavattam Stadium. A total of 6,200 tickets were sold. 97 lakhs and the income received by the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) is Rs.
KCA President Jayesh George said that the sponsors are disappointed with the reduced number of spectators. “Attendance will at least set back hopes of hosting this year’s World Cup. Other associations will take advantage of this. The ticket price was fixed in discussion with the sports minister. But the statement made by the minister about the rates backfired” – said Jayesh George.
The sports minister said that ‘a starving person should not go to watch the game’ in response to the criticisms against the steep increase in entertainment tax for the tickets and entertainment tax of the India-Sri Lanka ODI match. The entertainment tax, which was 5% in last year’s competition, has been increased to 12%.
English Summary: VD Satheesan against V Abdurahiman’s remarks on India-Sri Lanka ODI ticket rate
