Cricket fans were today warned to think twice before attempting to buy tickets through unauthorised channels for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 in South Africa.

Clifford Green of Edward Nathan and Friedland, the lawyer acting for CWC, has identified various pirate operations for the on-selling of tickets at inflated prices.

Mr Green said that some unauthorised operators were also advertising hospitality packages. This falls foul of the official process.

He warned people doing business with pirate operators that their tickets could be cancelled out of the system ahead of the Cricket World Cup.

"People must be careful who they deal with and what they deal in. We want all cricket supporters to get the best possible value and not find themselves let down at the last minute."

The authorised agents are the normal selling channels at the grounds, on the official website www.cricketworldcup.com and via the call centre on 083 123 2003.

In addition the CWC has authorised an international tour operator, Edusport-Gullinjet, the travel agents Rennies and Connex Travel and the hospitality provider Megapro to offer packages to the public. These companies were appointed after an extensive tendering process and all adhere to stringent qualifications.

Cricket development in South Africa will benefit from sales through these companies as they have to pay royalties or minimum guarantees for all transactions. It is therefore important that they be supported and not unauthorised agents who do not have the interests of the game or the supporter at heart.

Under the publicised terms and conditions of ticket sales, it is made clear that it is not permitted to:

• deal in tickets
• use tickets as prizes in competitions or for promotions
• use tickets to sell unauthorised hospitality packages.

Once such practices are identified, all tickets used in the manner mentioned above could be cancelled out of the system.

Mr Green further pointed out that the `marks' of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 – the logo and mascot in particular – may not be copied onto merchandise. "There are various protections available to us to confiscate all merchandise not carrying the official label. Fans who buy official merchandise will ensure that they get safe and high quality products."

© World Cup Organising Committee