PBKS vs RCB: All set for first IPL qualifier as spectators make beeline for high-octane match tickets

Who will be in the IPL final....Punjab or Bengaluru? On April 20, the Mullanpur stadium had turned ‘red’ as fans chose to support the jersey of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) over Punjab Kings (PBKS). Now on May 29, as the same ground prepares to host the same opponents, the fans are waiting to bring the sea of ‘red’ back at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) International Stadium.

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The much awaited IPL qualifier-I will be played at this new stadium and the fans are leaving no stone unturned to watch the match live from the stands amid the loudest of the roars. The box office at the stadium remained abuzz with fans’ presence as they kept waiting in long queues to get tickets. And the online sale of tickets also witnessed a spike on the eve of the match.

“The match is important as fans will get a chance to see the clash of Indian cricketers Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. Both teams are in great form, and it will be a must watch match. I tried to buy tickets from the stadium’s box office, but ran out of luck. Now, I am standing here, waiting to book my tickets online,” said Anup Mehta, a young spectator. His friend added, “Even after online booking, one has to stand here for a long time to get the tickets. Hats off to these fans, who are standing in scorching heat for tickets,” added Pritam, a local.

The match is not only about Kohli and Iyer as the winner of this match will directly qualify for the final, and given the latest performance of both teams, the match is surely going to be interesting. “Both teams are in amazing form, and it will be a great show to see. Not only from the region, but fans from other states have already reached here to watch this match,” added Sunaina, a university student.

The hospitality and hotel industry are also expecting a good business during back-to-back matches here. “Since this is a holiday season, more people are coming to witness this iconic clash. The conditions are perfect during evenings and it will be a memorable moment for the fans,” added Rahul, a hotel owner.

Heavy security

Giving the recent incidents, Punjab Police will be on high alert for the smooth conduct of IPL matches in Mullanpur. As many as 65 gazetted officers and 3,000 personnel have been deployed to take charge of the security. Meanwhile, like the previous four league matches, various routes have been marked for smooth entry to the stadium. The parking lots have also been earmarked, and before the start of the match a cultural programme might be held. On Wednesday, a drill was organised to check security concerns.

Practice session

While the RCB players landed here in the evening, the hosts attended practice sessions here at the match venue. Later, Mumbai Indians also reached here to practice, while Gujarat Titans practiced at the IS Bindra PCA Stadium in Mohali. Both Mumbai and Gujarat are scheduled to play the other eliminator on May 30.