Patna's loss is Ranchi's gain. The city will for the first time host the Pro Kabaddi League with two-time champion Patna Pirates all set to play their home matches in Ranchi between September 15 and 21.
The matches, originally scheduled in Patna, were shifted out of the city after the franchisee cited bureaucratic hurdles and interference by babus and VIPs for free passes.
Led by skipper Pardeep Narwal, Patna Pirates has 16 Indian and 2 foreign players. Placed in Zone B, the team is currently placed No. 2 with 27 points having won 4 out of 7 matches.
The team, which will play six matches in Ranchi, will take on Telugu Titans on the first day (September 15) at the Harivansh Tana Bhagat Indoor stadium at the mega sports complex in Hotwar. Between September 15 and 21, a total of 11 matches will be played involving 12 franchisees.
Season 5 of the league kicked off in Hyderabad on July 28. The final will be played in Chennai on October 28.
So, where do you get the tickets? The franchisee on Monday said tickets will be available at the two Café Coffee Day outlets - one at Spring City mall in Hinoo and the other on Main Road - from September 11. Tickets will also be sold at the mega sports complex from September 15. Online sale of tickets began at BookMyShow on August 16.
A franchisee official said ticket prices were reasonable and won't pinch the pocket. "Silver stands are Rs 150, gold Rs 250 and platinum Rs 500 and Rs 600. VIP stand is Rs 1,000 and VVIP Rs 1,500 per ticket," the official said.
