Several spectators at the hospitality stand claimed that while beverages were available for purchase, the complimentary drinks included in their tickets were not being served on match day.
“When asked, a staff member at the stand told us that complimentary drinks were being served till yesterday, but not today,” said one attendee.
“When asked why, he said, 'Ask Punjab Kings, we are just following instructions.' Later, officials informed us that drinks were not being served because of the local elections,” the attendee added.
The explanation, however, failed to convince many fans, who questioned why the organisers had continued to advertise and sell hospitality packages with complimentary beverages despite being aware of election restrictions.
“Did the organisers not know that the match was being held on a day that coincided with local elections?” asked a fan from Punjab. “If the rules were already in place, they should either have clarified it beforehand or removed the complimentary drinks from the package entirely,'' said a cricket fan.
Another spectator, who had travelled from Punjab specifically for the high-profile fixture and hospitality experience, expressed disappointment over the arrangements.
“People have spent a lot of money to enjoy the full hospitality experience. It feels unfair that a major part of it was denied after payment,” said Harwinder Singh, who had travelled from Jalandhar.
Fans also questioned the inconsistency in enforcement, pointing out that drinks continued to be sold at the venue despite the complimentary service being halted.
“If drinks could still be sold on purchase, then why were complimentary drinks stopped? Were the rules applicable only in one case?” another attendee asked.
One hospitality ticket-holder claimed to have paid nearly Rs 9,000 and said the curtailed services diminished the value of the experience.
No official statement had been issued by the franchise or match organisers till the filing of this report.
The Baisakhi Sale Plan offers an excellent value of 2 years of subscription + 6 months complimentary.
If you proceed with this purchase, your current monthly subscription plan will be immediately cancelled.
30?"green-strip-scroll":""}">n ${e.display_status||e.scheduleTime}n
30?"green-strip-scroll":""}">n ${e.display_status+", "+e.scheduleTime}n