Watch: Congress MLA accuses KSCA of unfair ticket distribution ahead of IPL 2026

With just two days left for the start of the Indian Premier League 2026, excitement among fans is very high. The tournament will begin on March 28, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Before this high-voltage match, Congress MLA Kashappanavar Vijayananda Shivashankarappa has made serious claims against the Karnataka State Cricket Association. He said that IPL 2026 tickets are being sold in the black market instead of being given to MLAs and their families.

The match on March 28 has now created controversy, as he said that even though MLAs and ministers should get free tickets, many of them have not received any.

Watch the video here :

MLA raises serious allegations over IPL 2026 ticket allocation

Speaking to the media, Kashappanavar Vijayananda Shivashankarappa said that even though Indian Premier League matches are starting on March 28, tickets have not been given to MLAs, ministers, or their families. He questioned the working of the Karnataka State Cricket Association, saying,

"There is an IPL match going to start on the 28th of this month. Karnataka State Cricket Association has not provided the tickets for the MLAs, ministers, and their families. They are taking all the facilities from the government, but they are not respecting the MLAs. They are not issuing the tickets. They are selling it in black. One ticket, which costs 5,000 rupees, we are buying it for 35,000 rupees."

His remarks have sparked a wider debate about IPL ticket sales, fairness, and transparency. While some people support his concerns about black market ticketing, others argue that online ticketing systems are meant to give fair access to fans.

See also -KSCA approaches Karnataka government to restart cricket at Chinnaswamy stadium

What KSCA said on the controversy and ticketing process

The Karnataka State Cricket Association has not made any official response to the controversy. Acting on the concerns, Speaker UT Khader asked the state government to make sure that each MLA gets at least four VIP tickets for the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

The Speaker said that MLAs often face problems at entry points, like standing in long lines or not being recognised by staff, which feels disrespectful. He also asked the government to make proper seating arrangements for legislators and their families. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said he would talk to KSCA officials immediately and update the House. He said MLAs have the right to get these facilities.

This issue comes just a few days before the Indian Premier League 2026 starts on March 28 in Bengaluru, with  Rajat Patidar-led Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Fans React to Ticket Distribution Row Before IPL 2026

Fans have expressed frustration over the ticket controversy ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026. Many shared their disappointment on social media, saying that online tickets are already hard to get, and the row makes it worse. Some fans supported MLAs getting VIP tickets, while others said that all fans should have a fair chance to buy tickets through official channels.

Read some of the fans' comments below: