Karnataka MLAs to get three free IPL tickets and two free tickets for international matches

Amid criticism by common people, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday announced that legislators will be provided a quota of complimentary tickets for cricket matches.

Under the arrangement, MLAs will receive three free tickets for the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches and two free tickets for international matches. They will also be allowed to purchase two additional tickets for international matches.

The decision comes after Legislative Assembly Speaker U. T. Khader recently urged the government to ensure that legislators are allotted four premium tickets per match day, amid dissatisfaction by MLAs — from across parties — with the ticket distribution process handled by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with KSCA office-bearers, representatives of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and DNA Entertainment Networks, Mr. Shivakumar said the issue has now been resolved. “We held discussions today and decided to provide legislators with three free tickets for IPL matches and two free tickets for international matches. Additionally, legislators will be allowed to purchase two extra tickets for international matches. With this, the matter is being closed,” he said.

It is optional

He added, “If any legislator is not interested, they may inform us in writing, and tickets will not be issued. There is no compulsion,” he said.

Responding to demands for a higher quota, Mr. Shivakumar said, “There are many demands, but not all can be fulfilled. The decision has been taken based on discussions and prevailing circumstances,” he said.

He added that compared to other States, Karnataka’s allocation for free tickets for public representatives remains limited. “In States such as Rajasthan, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Gujarat, around 50-60% of tickets are distributed among government officials and other categories. But here in Karnataka our level of intervention is less,” he noted.

Increasing seating

The Deputy Chief Minister said discussions also covered expanding cricket infrastructure in the State. “We have explored the possibility of increasing the seating capacity of the stadium by about 20,000, which will benefit the public,” he said.

He added that talks have been held with the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Commissioner to identify land for a new stadium. “A proposal has been sought, and once submitted, it will be examined at the government level before approvals are granted,” he said.

On demands for a separate gallery for legislators and ministers, Mr. Shivakumar said that the matter would be left to KSCA to decided.

He further said that the government has already allotted 25 acres of land to KSCA and provided land in Tumakuru and Mysuru. In Bengaluru, Cabinet approval has been granted for a stadium project through the Karnataka Housing Board, with a stadium coming up in Suryanagar aimed at benefiting multiple sports.