The countdown to the much-awaited second ODI between India and England, scheduled for February 9, 2025, at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, was marred by a shocking incident as thousands of cricket fans scrambled for offline tickets. A stampede-like situation unfolded outside the stadium, leading to at least 10 individuals fainting due to extreme conditions in the queue. With several fans queuing up for as long as 14 hours, the event escalated into chaos, forcing the authorities to intervene.
Fans Endure Long Wait for Tickets
The offline ticket sale for the India vs England 2nd ODI began at 9 AM IST on February 5, 2025, but the overwhelming crowd outside the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack created a dire situation. Long lines of cricket enthusiasts, eager to witness the game live, had formed well in advance. Some fans claimed to have stood in line for over 14 hours, highlighting the lack of preparation and poor facilities. As the situation intensified, many began to feel the effects of exhaustion and dehydration, leading to several fainting episodes.
One fan shared their frustration: “We’ve been standing here since 6 PM yesterday. There’s no water, no proper management, and we’ve been pushed around. The situation is terrible, and we don’t know where to turn.”
The Stampede-Like Scene Outside Barabati Stadium
The crowd’s overwhelming numbers soon led to a stampede-like situation. Witnesses described people jostling and even climbing the stadium’s fences, trying to get closer to the ticket counters. With no clear entry or exit points, the lack of organized crowd control compounded the chaos. The Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) has faced severe criticism for the poorly managed ticket sale system, which only contributed to the growing frustration among the crowd.
Police Intervention: Water Guns Used to Control the Crowd
As the situation worsened, local authorities stepped in to restore order. The police were forced to use water guns in an attempt to disperse the crowd and prevent further chaos. Despite their efforts, several fans remained trapped in the disorganized queue, struggling to access basic necessities like water or food.
Reports from local news outlets indicate that at least four to five individuals were hospitalized, while others continued to suffer from exhaustion. Witnesses shared images of the harrowing scene, showing fans desperately trying to navigate through the crowd in the absence of a clear line or designated pathways.
DCP and Authorities Step In to Address the Crisis
As news of the chaos spread, local authorities, including Cuttack’s Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jagmohan Meena, rushed to the Barabati Stadium to take charge of the situation. DCP Meena assured the public that steps were being taken to expedite the ticket sales process and clear the area as quickly as possible.
“We are working to speed up the ticket distribution, and we are actively working on improving the situation. We understand the frustration of the fans, and we appeal to everyone to remain calm while we work to clear the area,” Meena said in a statement.
To further alleviate the crisis, authorities have arranged water supplies for those still standing in line, addressing concerns of dehydration.
Public Outcry: Poor Management of Ticket Sales
Criticism of the OCA’s handling of the ticket sales was widespread, with many fans accusing the authorities of negligence. The absence of adequate facilities, including water stations and clear queue management, left the crowd feeling neglected and unsafe. The lack of entry and exit points within the stadium grounds further exacerbated the situation, leading to confusion and panic among the fans.
“I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s a total mess. The OCA needs to take responsibility and ensure that this doesn’t happen again,” said another distressed spectator.
What Went Wrong? A Closer Look at the Ticket Sales Process
The chaotic scene outside Barabati Stadium raised several questions about the efficiency of the ticketing process. With the overwhelming demand for tickets, it is clear that more robust systems need to be in place to ensure public safety and convenience. Here are a few factors that contributed to the crisis:
- Lack of Clear Queue Management: Fans were forced to stand in disorganized lines with no distinct entry and exit points, resulting in overcrowding.
- Inadequate Facilities: The absence of water supply and basic amenities left people struggling to stay hydrated and comfortable.
- Poor Communication: Fans were left in the dark about the status of ticket sales, creating confusion and frustration.
Call for Immediate Action from OCA and Local Authorities
As the situation at Barabati Stadium slowly began to improve, authorities promised to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and well-being of fans. Many have called for a more structured and transparent ticketing process for future events, to avoid such incidents from happening again.
In the wake of this incident, it is clear that significant improvements are necessary to handle large crowds and ensure a smooth, safe experience for all cricket fans.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Event Organizers
The stampede-like situation outside Barabati Stadium serves as a stark reminder of the need for better planning, crowd management, and communication when hosting major events. As cricket fans eagerly await the India vs England 2nd ODI, it is crucial for the Odisha Cricket Association to review its systems and implement immediate improvements for the remainder of the ticket sales process.
With the support of local authorities and a renewed focus on fan welfare, we can hope for a more organized and enjoyable experience for the spectators who make these sporting events unforgettable.
Stay tuned for more updates on ticket availability and the latest news from the Barabati Stadium.
