'Can't stand in queues like general public': Karnataka Congress MLA demands free IPL tickets for all legislators

NEW DELHI: With the IPL 2026 opener around the corner, Congress MLA Kashappanavar Vijayananda Shivashankarappa on Thursday kicked up a row, saying legislators were being forced to stand in queues or buy tickets at inflated rates despite being "entitled" to passes.

He also alleged a large-scale black marketing by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA)."There is an IPL match on the 28th, but KSCA has not provided tickets to MLAs, ministers or their families. We can't go and stand in queues like the general public. Last time, we were made to stand in line and then sent to a common gallery," he told ANI, flagging both access and "protocol" concerns.Accusing the association of profiting from the demand, the MLA claimed tickets worth Rs 5,000 were being sold for as much as Rs 35,000 in the black market.

"They are taking all facilities from the government, including security, but not respecting elected representatives. Tickets are being sold through online channels and middlemen," he alleged.

Shivashankarappa said the issue had been raised in the assembly and that legislators have sought government intervention to ensure a fixed quota of passes and separate seating arrangements. "We have requested at least five tickets per MLA and proper seating.

We are public representatives, there has to be some system," he said.He added that the matter had been taken up with the speaker and deputy chief minister, who, he claimed, assured action. The MLA also warned of protests if the situation persisted.The Karnataka State Cricket Association has not yet responded to the allegations.The controversy comes just days before IPL 2026 begins on March 28 in Bengaluru, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru set to host Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.