Ind vs Eng Cuttack ODI: Ticket Buyers Fall Ill Amid Stampede-Like Situation Outside Barabati Stadium; Police Deploy Water Guns

It was a total chaos outside cricket stadium in Cuttack as thousands of fans scrambled for offline tickets to watch India take on England in the second ODI on February 9th. According to India today report, several people were found unconscious, while others struggled to stay on their feet amid the overcrowded ticket counters. Police had to resort to using water guns to disperse the crowd.

When offline ticket sales began at 9 AM on Wednesday, the rush quickly turned chaotic. As word spread about ticket availability, the situation worsened, leading to further complaints from locals about poor management. Several local media reports criticised the Odisha Cricket Association for failing to handle ticket distribution efficiently.

The lack of proper crowd management resulted in widespread disorder, with angry locals blaming the authorities for poor planning and inadequate arrangements. Frustrated fans criticized the absence of basic facilities like drinking water and the failure to set up proper exit routes, which worsened the situation as tensions escalated.

Thousands of cricket enthusiasts had gathered near the stadium on Tuesday night, eager to secure their tickets. By early Wednesday morning, long queues had already formed, with some fans even spending the night outside to ensure they didn’t miss the chance to watch their favorite cricketers, including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, in action.

India to play in Cuttack after five years

This match holds special significance as it marks the first time in five years that Kohli and Rohit will play at Barabati Stadium. Their last appearance in Cuttack was during an ODI against the West Indies in 2019, where Kohli was named Player of the Match in India’s victory.

While all eyes will be on form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the upcoming series provides both teams with an excellent opportunity to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which starts on February 19 in Pakistan.