World Cup scalpers have been warned

The five World Cup matches scheduled to be played at the MCG – including the Final – have been declared Sports Ticketing Events under the Major Sporting Events Act by the Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hugh Delahunty.

The Victorian Government’s declaration makes selling or advertising tickets to the MCG matches above face value an offence in Victoria, and means tournament organisers will have additional support from the Victorian Government in relation to the prevention of ticket scalping.

Minister Delahunty said that declaring the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 under the Major Sporting Events Act 2009 was the right thing to do.

“I believe the interest and demand for ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 tickets, in particular to the opening match and the final to be played in Melbourne, warrants the event being covered by the ticketing provisions of the Act,” Mr Delahunty said.

“I congratulate the Local Organising Committee for their efforts to keep ticket prices affordable and accessible for all cricket fans, but in particular families. Our legislation will help to ensure all matches in Melbourne remain affordable and accessible for everyone.”

Previous major events to have been declared under the Major Sporting Events Act and its predecessor the Sports Ticketing (Fair Access) Act 2002 include the AFL Grand Final (each year since 2003), the 2009 and 2010 Australian Masters Golf and The Presidents Cup 2011.

The 2006 Commonwealth Games and 2007 World Swimming Championships were covered by separate, event specific legislation.

Tickets go on general sale from February 14 next year, but fans who want a chance to buy before then can register at www.cricketworldcup.com to have access to a pre-sale.

Travel packages for the tournament, which runs from February 14 to March 29, 2015, are on sale from today at www.icctravel.net.

Along with the Final, the MCG will also host a quarter-final and three pool matches including Australia’s opening fixture of the tournament against England.

A total of 14 cities in Australia and New Zealand will host 49 matches over 44 days.

For detailed ticketing information for the MCG fixtures, click here.