ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 is cautioning fans worldwide that they risk huge financial losses and the likelihood of receiving counterfeit match tickets if they buy travel packages from persons or companies other than Official Travel Agents (OTAs).

This warning comes following a number of reports, particularly from India, of pirate travel agents purportedly offering packages to the tournament, including match tickets.

“Persons purchasing travel packages, inclusive of tickets, from these unauthorised entities, have no guarantee that they will receive authentic match tickets for the Cricket World Cup,” stated ICC CWC 2007 Commercial Manager, Stephen Price.

“Fans are advised to deal with CWC’s Official Travel Agents which are spread out across the world. They are the only ones who have the authority to sell Tour & Travel packages for this Event – nobody else. There are five of these in India to cater to the large cricket fan base there.”

Referring to the recent announcement that tickets being auctioned online would be cancelled and monies would not be refunded, CWC’s Commercial Manager indicated that anyone who buys packages from rogue travel agents could face a similar fate.

“CWC is constantly monitoring these matters worldwide and there will be no recourse from CWC if someone falls victim to any of the unauthorised travel agents,” stressed Price.