In a significant move towards digital convenience, the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) has announced that all ticket sales for the upcoming One Day International (ODI) cricket match between India and New Zealand will be conducted exclusively online. This marks a complete shift from physical counters to a digital-first approach for the match scheduled at Indore's Holkar Stadium on January 18, 2026.
A Historic Shift to Digital Ticketing
The most notable change in this new system is the inclusion of concession tickets for specially abled spectators in the online process. For the first time ever, tickets under this category will be sold digitally, eliminating the need for in-person verification and purchase. This move completes the association's transition to a fully online ticket sales format for the high-profile encounter.
An official media release from the MPCA stated that the initiative aims to ensure smoother access, better verification of documents, and more orderly distribution of tickets. By moving the entire process online, the association hopes to streamline operations and provide a more efficient experience for all cricket fans.
Concession Ticket Details and Pricing
The MPCA has outlined specific pricing and procedures for concession tickets. For students, tickets are priced at Rs 750 for the East Stand Lower and Rs 950 for the East Stand Second Floor. To avail this offer, students from Class 1 onwards who are enrolled in government-recognised schools, colleges, or universities are eligible. However, students from coaching institutes and private academies have been excluded.
For specially abled spectators, tickets have been priced at a concessional rate of Rs 300 for seats in the designated North-East Gallery. Each eligible person can purchase one ticket under this category.
Two-Stage Registration and Verification Process
The MPCA has designed a meticulous two-stage process to manage the sale of these concession tickets. Interested applicants must first complete an online registration. Following this, they are required to upload documents that confirm their student or specially abled status for verification.
For students, acceptable proof includes:
- A valid institutional identity card for the 2025–26 academic year.
- The 2024–25 progress report.
- A mid-term result for the current academic session.
For specially abled spectators, a valid disability certificate issued by a competent government authority must be uploaded. The MPCA will scrutinise all uploaded documents. Upon approval, a secure payment link will be sent to the applicant via WhatsApp or email. Only after successful payment will the ticket be confirmed and subsequently delivered by courier.
The association has also specified that wheelchair users must opt for the designated wheelchair space in the North-East Gallery and must arrange for their own wheelchair on the day of the match.
Important Dates and Timeline
Cricket fans need to mark their calendars for the registration window. The online registration portal for concession tickets will open at 11 am on December 31, 2025. It will remain active until the allocated quota is exhausted or until 5 pm on January 1, 2026, whichever comes first. This tight window underscores the importance of early registration for those seeking concessional tickets.
This comprehensive digital overhaul by the MPCA represents a modern step forward in managing large-scale sporting events. It prioritises accessibility while implementing robust verification measures, setting a potential precedent for future matches at the Holkar Stadium and beyond.
