1,000+ fake IPL domains fuel ticket scams and malware attacks: CloudSEK
Synopsis
Over 1,000 fake IPL domains — 600+ selling counterfeit tickets and 400+ posing as free streaming sites — have been weaponised against cricket fans this season. CloudSEK's findings reveal an industrialised fraud operation complete with Meta Pixel tracking, fake PDF tickets with QR codes, and malware delivery platforms, exposing just how sophisticated IPL-season cybercrime has become.
Key Takeaways
CloudSEK identified more than 1,000 fake IPL-related domains active during the ongoing 2025 IPL season .
Over 600 fraudulent domains were found selling fake IPL tickets; more than 400 posed as free streaming websites.
Fake ticketing sites used Meta Pixel integration to track user behaviour and optimise fraud campaigns like legitimate e-commerce operations.
Victims received fake PDF tickets with booking IDs and QR codes, only discovering the fraud at stadium entry gates.
Fake streaming sites were optimised for searches like
More than 1,000 fake IPL-related domains are actively being used to run online scams and malware attacks targeting cricket fans during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season, according to a cybersecurity report released on Wednesday, 13 May 2025. The findings, published by threat intelligence firm CloudSEK, expose a highly organised digital fraud ecosystem exploiting the scale and emotional pull of India's most-watched cricket tournament.
Scale of the Fraud Operation
CloudSEK researchers identified more than 600 fraudulent domains selling fake IPL tickets and over 400 fake
Point of View
Or fans will continue paying the price — literally — at stadium gates.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the CloudSEK IPL scam report find?
CloudSEK identified over 1,000 fake IPL-related domains being used for online scams and malware attacks during the 2025 IPL season. These included more than 600 fake ticketing sites and over 400 fraudulent free streaming websites targeting cricket fans.
How do fake IPL ticket scams work?
Fake ticketing websites impersonate trusted platforms by copying logos, layouts, and booking flows. Users are asked to select seats, enter personal details, and make payments via UPI, cards, or QR codes. In several cases, fake PDF tickets with booking IDs are issued, with victims only discovering the fraud at stadium entry gates.
What is the threat from fake IPL streaming websites?
Fake IPL streaming sites are optimised for searches like 'IPL free live stream' and match-specific queries. Many act as gateways for malware infections, suspicious redirects, and credential theft attacks, putting users' devices and personal data at risk.
How are IPL scammers using Meta Pixel?
Scammers have integrated Meta Pixel into fake ticketing websites to track clicks, form submissions, and payment activity. This allows them to optimise fraud campaigns the same way legitimate e-commerce businesses run performance marketing, making the operations more efficient and harder to detect.
How can cricket fans stay safe from IPL online scams?
Fans should only purchase tickets through official IPL or BCCI-authorised platforms and avoid clicking on links promoting free live streams. Verifying website URLs carefully, avoiding UPI payments to unknown merchants, and using official broadcaster apps for streaming are key precautions.
