A controversy has erupted in Karnataka over demands by legislators for preferential access to tickets for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, with some MLAs asserting that elected representatives should not be required to stand in queues like the general public. The issue has sparked debate over privilege, access, and the role of public institutions in facilitating such requests.

Vijayanand Kashappanavar, a Congress MLA from Hungund, publicly stated that the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) should provide a minimum of five tickets to each MLA and arrange separate seating enclosures for legislators. He argued that MLAs are “VIPs” and should not be made to stand in queues or be seated among the general public during matches.

The remarks come ahead of the IPL 2026 season opener, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad. Kashappanavar also alleged irregularities in ticket sales, claiming that black marketing occurs during online bookings and that legislators are not given due consideration despite the association benefiting from government support.

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Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka also criticised the KSCA, highlighting that the state government had allotted 16.32 acres of land to the association at a nominal lease cost. He argued that despite such concessions, the association charges high prices for match tickets and fails to extend adequate privileges to elected representatives.

Responding to the concerns raised in the Assembly, Speaker U. T. Khader suggested that the government should formally engage with KSCA to address the issue. He recommended that a minimum number of tickets be reserved for MLAs and their families to ensure better coordination and avoid last-minute disputes.

Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar assured the House that the matter would be taken up with KSCA authorities. He stated that discussions would be initiated with the association’s leadership to resolve the issue, adding that legislators have the right to seek such benefits while also indicating a willingness to mediate a practical solution.

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