Fans hoping to secure tickets for the highly anticipated T20 World Cup 2024 faced disappointment after a “technical issue” disrupted the online ballot system on the final day.
While the International Cricket Council (ICC) claims the majority were unaffected, many reported difficulties submitting entries, casting a shadow over the ticketing process.
The ballot portal malfunctioned for nearly two hours on February 7th, just before its scheduled closure. While the ICC insists the issue was resolved and the portal reopened, countless fans were left unable to apply, raising concerns about fairness and transparency.
Notably, the ICC refrained from offering an apology to those who missed out as per BBC.
Uneven Distribution for T20 World Cup Ticket
Despite the hiccup, the ballot drew an impressive response, with over four million entries from 170 countries. However, a large portion, estimated between 50-60%, came from the Americas, where matches will be hosted for the first time in a major ICC event. This raises questions about accessibility and equity for fans worldwide.
With the expansion to 20 teams and 55 matches across nine cities, the T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be a historic event.
Yet, the ticketing glitch leaves a sour note, with concerns about whether a similar issue could affect the upcoming general sale on February 22nd.
Looking Ahead:
Fans hoping to witness high-octane matches like the India-Pakistan clash in New York will find out their ballot results by February 17th.
The ICC must learn from this incident and take proactive measures to ensure a smooth ticketing process for the remaining stages, guaranteeing every cricket enthusiast a fair chance to be part of this global spectacle.