Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is eagerly trying to get back fans in the stadium when Virat Kohli’s side take on England. This comes as good news for the fans who are diligently waiting for the series to kick-off. India is hosting England for a full-fledged tour comprising of 4 Test matches, 5 T20Is, and 3 ODIs starting from February 5 to March 28.
The first half of the Test series will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai and the second half at the newly built 110,000-seater Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad. The five-match T20I series is also scheduled to be held at Ahmedabad from March 12 followed by the ODI series in Pune.
Speaking to ANI, a BCCI official in the know of developments revealed the anxiousness of the board to fill half of the stadium with spectators for the T20I series. But still the final decision stays in the government’s hand.
“We are trying to open the stadium for fans to witness what awaits to be a thrilling T20I series between India and England. While we are yet to decide on the numbers, the idea is to get close to 50 percent of the seats filled. But the final decision lies with the government. Safety is a priority even as we adapt to the new normal,” the official said to ANI.
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While the BCCI is looking for permission to allow spectators in Ahmedabad, on the other hand the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) has taken the determination that no tickets would be put on sale and the first two Tests and will not allow any spectators.
In the notice the TNCA secretary, RS Ramasaamy has notified its members about the same and that the decision has been taken in view of the existing situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in Tamil Nadu.
“In view of the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, BCCI has decided not to take any kind of risk with the safety of the players during the forthcoming India-England Test series. “The players, officials will be undergoing strict quarantine and several rounds of COVID-19 tests before entering the bio-bubble.”
“As per BCCI directive, the first two Tests between February 5-17 being held at MA Chidambaram Stadium will take place behind closed doors. TNCA will not be issuing tickets or sub-committee badges,” Ramaswamy wrote as quoted by ANI.
In the meantime, the squad for the first two Tests for both the teams has been already declared and the players will undergo quarantine and a thorough round of testing before entering the bio-bubble secure environment.
