Cricket mania has taken complete control of Ranchi as the city prepares to host the highly anticipated ODI match between India and South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium Complex on November 30. The excitement reached fever pitch on Tuesday when ticket counters opened for physical sales, drawing massive crowds of dedicated fans who waited for hours, some even camping overnight, to secure their spot for the big match.
Overnight Camping and Early Morning Queues
Hundreds of passionate cricket lovers began gathering at the stadium hours before the ticket counters were scheduled to open. Many determined fans braved the chilly night temperatures and various discomforts, with some setting up camp as early as midnight to ensure they wouldn't miss their chance to watch their cricket heroes in action.
Among the early birds was Surin Rathore, a young cricket enthusiast who traveled all the way from Ramgarh district on Monday night. "I came prepared with everything to beat the cold," Rathore told reporters. "My three friends and I slept in our car to make sure we wouldn't be late to get the tickets when sales began." Their dedication paid off as they successfully purchased eight tickets for the lower-tier gallery. Rathore expressed his particular admiration for Virat Kohli and K L Rahul, two of India's batting superstars.
Technical Glitches and Determined Efforts
The ticket-buying experience proved challenging for many fans, including Ayush Kumar, a resident of Dhurwa. Kumar revealed that he had initially attempted to purchase tickets online when sales first began but encountered technical difficulties. "Due to poor network connectivity, I failed to secure tickets through the online portal," Kumar explained. "That's why I had to come here as early as 7 am to beat the rush and get them physically."
Female cricket fans demonstrated equal enthusiasm and determination. Shaily Herenj, who traveled from Nagri block and arrived at the stadium at 4 am, shared her challenging experience. "I had to face numerous problems including inadequate street lighting and lack of toilet facilities," Herenj stated. "But I remained determined and kept standing at the counter so I could get the tickets as soon as it opened. All the struggle was worth it for this opportunity."
Ticket Pricing and Match Details
The ticket prices for the much-awaited ODI match range from ₹1,200 to ₹12,000, catering to different budget segments of cricket enthusiasts. The JSCA stadium is expected to be packed to capacity as Indian cricket fans eagerly await watching their team take on South Africa in what promises to be an exciting contest.
The massive turnout and dedication displayed by Ranchi's cricket fans underscore the immense popularity of the sport in India and the special excitement surrounding international matches featuring the national team. With less than two weeks remaining until the match, the city continues to buzz with cricket fever as preparations intensify for the November 30 showdown.
