Delhi Police are expanding an investigation into the alleged illegal resale of IPL tickets and match passes after notices were issued to four Delhi and District Cricket Association officials as part of the ongoing probe. According to a report by The Indian Express, investigators are examining how premium tickets and complimentary access passes linked to IPL matches at Arun Jaitley Stadium were allegedly circulated through unofficial channels before being resold at inflated rates.
The probe follows a series of arrests made outside the Delhi venue during the IPL season, with police now attempting to determine whether the operation functioned across multiple host cities during the tournament. Investigators are also reviewing whether the accused used personal networks and unauthorised access routes to obtain tickets connected to high-demand fixtures.
Police examine alleged wider network
Crime Branch officials believe the investigation extends beyond isolated ticket resale activity and are continuing to identify individuals who may have been involved in sourcing or distributing match access. Authorities are also examining allegations linked to the use of premium seating and complimentary passes by people connected to illegal betting activity operating during matches.
DCP (Crime Branch) Sanjeev Kumar Yadav told The Indian Express: “They allegedly procured tickets and complimentary passes through various persons. The role of others associated with this syndicate is also under investigation. They also supplied premium tickets at exorbitant prices to people involved in online live betting/satta operations inside stadiums, as well as to pickpockets and other criminal elements.”
Police are additionally investigating claims that some buyers were persuaded through false representations linked to cricket administration and event management structures.
Yadav added: “To gain credibility and lure cricket enthusiasts, the accused falsely projected themselves as authorised representatives of the cricket administration and event management authorities. They are currently in police remand, and further investigation is underway to identify others involved in the procurement and illegal sale of tickets.”
Arrests and recovered material form part of inquiry
Three men identified as Mukeem from Uttar Pradesh, Gufran alias Sajid from Delhi and Md Faisal from Delhi were initially detained outside Arun Jaitley Stadium. A fourth accused, Pankaj Yadav, was later arrested during the investigation.
Police said more than 50 IPL tickets, 33 complimentary passes and cash were recovered during the operation. Investigators are continuing to examine how tickets were allegedly sourced and distributed during the tournament, including whether similar methods were used at matches outside Delhi.
Authorities also said previous cases linked to alleged ticket black-marketing activities had surfaced during the investigation.
“It has also come to notice that criminal cases related to ticket black marketing had previously been registered against them in Delhi, Punjab and Haryana. One case of ticket black marketing during the Auto Expo in Faridabad was also registered against them,” Yadav said.
Scrutiny grows around ticket access and distribution
The investigation has added to wider scrutiny around ticket allocation systems and stadium access management during major cricket events in India, particularly as demand for IPL matches continues to increase across venues. Police are continuing to review financial links, communication records and distribution patterns connected to the accused as the investigation progresses.
