Raging cricket ticket row as England fans to take over Newlands, South Africa
A raging ticketing row has broken out in South Africa over England’s Test tour this winter, with the tourists’ fans being blamed for bagging thousands of tickets.
Tickets were due to go on sale this week for the festive fixture at Newlands Cricket Ground but locals reported that tickets for the first four days of the Test at the 25,000-capacity arena had been snapped up within seconds.
English fans and tour operators – who travel to South Africa in great numbers – have been blamed but it appears that travel platforms based in South Africa had their platforms swarmed with bots having underestimated demand.
Seats are now being sold as part of tourist trips, while individuals are facing mark-ups to attend the match.
Barmy Army Managing director Chris Millard told PA: “We completely understand the frustration from supporters – both in England and South Africa – who were unable to secure tickets in the general sale, as demand for this tour is understandably extremely high.
“The Barmy Army receives a small, pre-agreed allocation directly from Cricket South Africa many months in advance. This allocation is entirely separate from the public ticket release process. We do not purchase tickets from public sale.
“A number of other official tour operators receive similar allocations as part of the same process for major overseas tours.”
Ticket issues
Tickets had rocketed to £300 within minutes of the sell-out, while the first two Tests in Johannesburg and Centurion have spots available for less than £20.
Entry to the grass embankment at the Newlands, in the shadow of Table Mountain, are going for as much as £200 – more than a day ticket to a Lord’s Test match.
The UK government announced draft legislation in last week’s King’s Speech that would outlaw the selling of tickets on secondary platforms for more than their face value. This would only apply to UK events, however.
Some local news outlets have warned the potential series decider could feel like an England home game due to South Africa Cricket’s strategy.