Ranchi ODI: 3 Ticket Scalpers Arrested; Hotels Fully Booked as Room Demand Surges Threefold

Ranchi, 29 Nov 2025: Ahead of the India vs South Africa One-Day International (ODI) match at JSCA Stadium on 30th November, the police have taken strict action against illegal ticket sales. A raid at Samagrah Restaurant, near the stadium, led to the arrest of three individuals involved in ticket scalping.

The arrested include Arvind Singh (Vidhansabha police station area), Priyanshu Raj (Dhurva Bus Stand), and Sudhir Kumar (JP Market, Vidyanagar). Dhurwa Police Station in-charge Vimal Kindo confirmed that in addition to these three, seven others – Vishala Chikki, Jitendra Jaiswal, Amit Tobo, Santosh Kumar, Rhtik Kumar, Manish Kumar, and Sumit Kumar – are also under investigation. The police have seized tickets, a scooter, and other materials from the accused, while searches continue for the remaining suspects.

Scalpers Exploit Shortage
With both online and offline tickets sold out, many cricket fans were left without access, allowing scalpers to exploit the situation.

Hotels Experience Unprecedented Surge
The upcoming match has created a buzz in Ranchi’s hospitality sector. Major hotels, including Radisson Blu, BNR Chanakya, Capital Hill, Ramada, and Courtyard Marriott, are fully booked. The ongoing wedding season in the city has further doubled the demand for rooms, with even smaller hotels, lodges, marriage halls, and resorts reporting full occupancy and long waiting lists.

Railway Station Road Emerges as Key Hub
For visiting cricket fans, Railway Station Road has become the most preferred area due to its proximity to the stadium. Hotels near Birsa Chowk, Hinoo, Doranda, Hawai Nagar, and Harmu Bypass Road are almost completely booked.

Room Demand Triples
Hotel operators revealed that room demand during match week is nearly three times higher than normal. Budget accommodations, usually priced between ₹1,500–2,000, are completely sold out, forcing many to opt for premium rooms. Shared accommodations, homestays, and guest houses are also running low on availability. Operators have warned that finding an available room in Ranchi over the next two days will be extremely difficult.