James Pamment Terms BCCI As 'Irresponsible' For Allowing Fans In Motera Stadium During India-England Series

Mumbai Indians fielding coach James Pamment has opened up on BCCI’s reckless move to allow fans to watch the India-England matches from the stadium. India’s disastrous COVID-19 situation for the last one month or so had been responsible for the indefinite postponement of IPL 2021. James Pamment feels that BCCI was irresponsible to allow spectators into the stadium, especially in Ahmedabad, where the virus’ spread has been rapid.

With the COVID-19 situation under control, BCCI decided to allow the crowds to watch the matches, welcoming the fans from the second Test against England. The action moved to the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad from the third Test and more than 50000 fans turned up. Since the cases began to rise again, the board decided to contest the final three T20Is in Ahmedabad and the ODIs in Pune without crowds.

Since then, there are little signs of the outbreak slowing down as India has recorded more than 350000 infections for the last many days. As much as the cases have surged, the number of fatalities have equally risen, with hospitals facing an oxygen shortage for critical patients. Several state governments have resorted to lockdowns to control the spread.

Now Ahmedabad is a hot-bed of Covid: James Pamment

James Pamment revealed that BCCI’s reckless move to open the stadiums and allow more than 70000 people to enter the new one constructed in Ahmedabad was reckless. The former Kiwi cricketer highlighted that the decision was irresponsible, causing Ahmedabad to become a hotspot of the virus.

“When England toured, there were some games behind closed doors, then they felt compelled to open them in Ahmedabad to the extent they allowed 70,000 people in that new stadium. From my perspective, that was a little irresponsible, and now Ahmedabad is a hot-bed of Covid,” Pamment said as quoted by Times Now.

Also Read: BCCI To Do Door-To-Door Covid Tests For England-Bound Team India Players