India vs South Africa 2020: Second And Third ODI Likely To Take Place Behind Closed Doors

After the washout in Dharamsala, the second and third ODI in Lucknow and Kolkata set—to be played behind the closed doors with Coronavirus breakout. On Thursday, the Sports Ministry ordered all the playing boards to play behind the closed doors, which is likely to come into effect from the upcoming game between India and South Africa.

The Central government has suspended all visas to India till April 15 as part of measures to contain the spread of Coronavirus and this has put IPL’s scheduling in doubt.

As part of advisory issued by the Health Ministry, all federations have been asked to avoid large gatherings.

India vs South Africa 2020: Remainder of the series to be played behind closed doors?

We will have to abide: BCCI source

The second ODI of the series will be played in Lucknow on March 15 while the third and final match will be in Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens on March 18. Already, the novel coronavirus outbreak and adverse weather conditions has affected ticket sales.

“The BCCI is in receipt of the sports ministry’s advisory. Obviously, if we are advised to avoid large gatherings, we will have to abide by it,” a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

Despite warnings, crowds had gathered at the HPCA stadium to watch the match.

Meanwhile, the Sports Ministry has made it very clear to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) along with other national federations that any event that has to be held amid the coronavirus outbreak will have to be behind closed doors.

Not only for the series between India and South Africa but also the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) will also go behind the closed doors if the situation remains the same.