India vs England 2021: BCCI Hoping To Host Spectators In Ahmedabad And Pune

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is trying its best to get back fans in the stadiums when Virat Kohli’s side take on England in the forthcoming matches. The Three Lions are touring the Asian giants for a full-fledged tour comprising of 4 Tests, 5 T20Is, and 3 ODIs. It will also be the first time India hosts international cricket since cricket resumed in the covid era.

The first half of the Test series against Joe Root’s team will be played at the  MA Chidambaram Stadium or the ‘Chepauk’ in Chennai and the second half at the newly built 110,000-seater Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The Men in Blue will take on Eoin Morgan’s rampant white-ball outfit in a 5-match T20I series slated for Ahmedabad followed by the ODI series in Pune.

According to a report in the Times Of India, the governing body is hoping to have some crowd back in the stadium. The report added that the Motera in Ahmedabad, where the knockouts of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy are being currently played, could be allowed to stage 25, 000 to 30, 000 spectators. However, no decision is finalized hitherto as the BCCI waits for permission from the health authorities.

“The board has been in talks with the two concerned association. It is very likely that these venues will see cricket being played with fans in the stands once all the clearances from the health authorities are attained,” a senior BCCI official was quoted as saying by the Times Of India.

India vs England 2021: First two tests at Chennai to be played behind closed doors

While the BCCI is seeking permission for fans to enter stadiums in Ahmedabad and Pune, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) had earlier struck down BCCI’s request for the same in Chennai. TNCA had announced that no tickets would be put on sale and the first two Tests (India vs England 2021) will be played behind closed doors.

In the circular the TNCA secretary, RS Ramasaamy has notified its members about the same and that the decision has been taken in view of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic situation in Tamil Nadu and they intend not to take any risks.

“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.

Also Read: A Mumbai Indians Fan Requests Rajasthan Royals To Release Ben Stokes; Rajasthan Royals Responds