DDCA may throw open gates to pull in crowd

However, DDCA Vice-President Chetan Chauhan is confident of seeing 25,000 fans for the match. 8220;Despite Diwali festivities and all the delays in ticket sales, we are expecting close to 25,000 fans in this Test match,8221; Chauhan said. Interestingly, the revenues from the ticket sales have touched the Rs 20 lakh mark, which under these circumstances, is way above the target.

Kotla has seen big crowds, even for the nondescript matches, like the Mohammad Nissar Trophy match between Delhi and Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited. Even a practice match between Delhi and the visiting Pakistan team last year, saw a 10,000-plus cheering fans at the stadium. But there is a rider to this optimism 8212; the fans visit Kotla, only if the entry is made free.

This would be viable solution to bring in the crowds. Further it would not dent DDCA8217;s revenues, as in-house advertising and the television rights are their main earning channels during matches.