Security at Narendra Modi Stadium - (Source: X.com)
The stage is all set for the epic T20 World Cup 2026 final between India and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The fans have already queued up outside the biggest stadium in the world, and the celebrities, too, have landed in Gujarat to witness the spectacle later in the day.
Notably, the likes of MS Dhoni, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, and Diana Penty have reached Ahmedabad, and many more are expected to reach the town in the next few hours. The 132000 seater stadium will not have a single empty seat for the all-important final as all tickets were sold in minutes like hot pancakes.
However, in the latest events, a controversy erupted before the final as police arrested two individuals selling tickets in black outside the stadium. According to a PTI report, two suspicious individuals were searched after surveillance near Usmanpura.
Ahmedabad police busts racket ahead of T20 World Cup final
The World Cup final is no small tournament. The police have been working around the clock to ensure a smooth event. Therefore, the crime branch arrested two individuals who had bought tickets in bulk and were re-selling them in black at a much higher price.
Also Read: Alyssa Healy Carried On Shoulders As Perry, Gardner Bid Her Emotional Farewell
"Our team recovered eight match tickets from their possession. The duo had booked these tickets online in advance and were illegally selling them at three times the original price, demanding ₹10,000 per ticket from fans," the crime branch said.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik said, "If any such activity comes to our attention, the police will file a case. We also have clear instructions from higher authorities to take immediate action against anyone involved in black marketing."
Hotel, Flight Prices Skyrocket in Ahmedabad
The effect on the India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad is also seen in hotel and flight prices. The locals have reported that there is a 400% surge in hotel prices in the city. Notably, the rooms which were available for 5000-10,000 for the rest of the year, have raised the price to 50,000 for March 8.
“There is a 300 per cent to 400 per cent increase in the room tariffs due to the high demand in view of the T20 WC final. Rooms which were available for Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000 now have rates between Rs 15,000 and Rs 50,000,” Narendra Somani, hotelier and president of the Hotels and Restaurants Association of Gujarat said.
Not just hotels, but the flight prices are also up by 200%, and one ticket costs nearly 10,000-12,000 per person.
Ahmedabad Stadium Curse Haunts India
The Men in Blue are chasing history as no team has ever defended their T20 World Cup title. India won in 2024 and are just a win away from defeating history. However, several curses continue to haunt them ahead of the final.
For the unversed, India played the 2023 World Cup final in Ahmedabad and suffered a heartbreak against Australia. Further, in the ongoing tournament, the Men in Blue have lost a solitary game, which was against South Africa at the very same venue. Apart from this, India have never won any World Cup on a Sunday.
Also Read: India Vs New Zealand T20 World Cup Final Commentators Revealed; No Pakistani Included
