Huge revenue losses for Delhi Daredevils’ owners
May 8, 2016 at 9:04 PM
While Delhi Daredevils are having a good time on the field, but off the field, they are facing some huge problems.
According to reports in the Times of India, Delhi Daredevils owners GMR group are facing huge revenue losses. Reports have suggested that the culture of asking for complimentary passes for IPL matches in Delhi, instead of buying tickets through proper channels, is causing the problem for the franchise. More than 42% of attendance at an IPL game are free to ticket holders in the 37,500-capacity Feroz Shah Kotla.
The franchise earned between Rs 4 to 5 crore from sale of tickets three years ago. The figure has now come down around to Rs 2 to Rs 2.5 crore.
As per IPL rules, every franchise distributes 20% of tickets to the BCCI. But for Delhi, owners are made to distribute another 22% for central and state government agencies.
“The accounted number works out to be 15,750 free passes. But the unaccounted bit of free passes should be more than 17,000,” a source told TOI on Thursday.
One can estimate Delhi’s loss by the fact that in 2013 both Mumbai and Delhi had almost equal revenue from ticket sell. While Mumbai have managed to retain this income Delhi’s share has come down quite drastically.
The reason for Mumbai Indians consistent revenue from ticket sell is that they don’t spare more than 7000 free passes for a home game.Even newcomers Rising Pune Supergiants
have surpassed Delhi’s revenue as they made Rs. 16.8 crores from only four games this season and the reason for that is, their local association made it a point to distribute only 1,600 complimentary tickets for members and important guests.
“Delhi’s team is constantly requested and pressurized to hand over tickets. The franchise is also made to pay tax for those free tickets distributed to spectators in Delhi,” said a source.
However, any GMR official has refused to comment on this situation.