‘It's my team dude, and when I attend matches my team wins’

Shah Rukh Khan has reduced ticket prices for IPL matches in Kolkata, the cheapest ticket will be only Rs 100

Barely a few days before ticket sales start for the present season of Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in Kolkata, Shah Rukh Khan of Knight Riders Sports Pvt Ltd has managed to keep the ticket prices considerably low compared to other cricketing facilities in the league. Of all the team owners, Shah Rukh has been making constant efforts to make the matches, starting on April 20 at Eden Gardens, accessible to the students and the masses. While the most expensive ticket has been priced at Rs 5450, the cheapest available ticket is for Rs 100. Shah Rukh explains, “Ticket prices are kept like that because I was very clear that the matches should be accessible to everyone, especially the students. The idea is to encourage people and the audience to participate in huge numbers.”

The superstar and cricket enthusiast is hosting the matches at Eden Gardens, one of the finest and largest cricket grounds in the world, and therefore, he will ensure his profit from the bulk ticket sales. “Being a star we at Knight Riders like house-full. Our stadium is twice the size of any other in the country so our outlay is quite big anyway,” he says.

The bookings have just opened for members of the Cricket Association of Bengal, and the actor is hoping that the sales will be good once it opens to general public. Interestingly, the actor intends to personally interact with the 1000th individual buying the ticket. SRK tells us, “Right now the ticket sales have just started for cricket association people. I hope the sales will be good once it opens for the general public. Every 1000th ticket bought will be given personally by me.”

Shah Rukh wants the fast-paced three-and-a-half-hour Twenty20 match a complete paisa vasool for the audience. Apart from watching cricketing legends running between the wickets, the audience will indulge in star gazing and witness live gigs at the stadium. The actor, who will be present at the stands to cheer up his team, will be accompanied by his celebrity friends. Talking about his plans, he says, “I will be attending all the matches in Kolkata and will be present on the following day as well. It's my team dude, and when I attend matches my team wins. Always… My family and friends will also be present.”

Sandipan Dalal, Mumbai Mirror