T20 World Cup 2021: 70% Crowd Allowed In All UAE Stadiums For Matches, Confirms ICC

The cricket fans in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be able to go and watch and cheer for their favorite teams in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2021 to be hosted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in UAE and Oman, as ICC confirmed 70% maximum seated capacity in all UAE stadiums for the tournament matches, the ICC confirmed.

The T20 World Cup 2021 will begin on October 17 and will be played across four venues in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman, including Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Muscat. The top 16 teams in the T20I format will clash for the ultimate prize in the shortest format. The tournament will conclude on November 14.

Abu Dhabi has also introduced new socially distanced ‘pods’ of a maximum of 4 spectators on their east and west grass mounds. The Oman Cricket Academy has had a temporary infrastructure built to welcome 3,000 fans.

“We are delighted to be welcoming fans back to international cricket in both Oman and the UAE to enjoy the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Our thanks to our hosts BCCI, Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and Oman Cricket as well as the local governments in these regions for their support in ensuring fans could attend in a safe environment,” said ICC acting CEO Geoff Allardice in a statement.

“The biggest sporting spectacle to have ever taken place in the region deserved to be played out in front of passionate cricket fans from all 16 nations competing and we are doing everything possible to keep it safe for all. It has been five years since the last Men’s T20 World Cup and we can’t wait for the world’s best players to arrive in Oman and the UAE and showcase the very best of T20 cricket,” he added.

I Am Delighted That The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 Will Be Played In Front Of Cheering Fans Both In The UAE And Oman: Jay Shah

As per the statement, the ICC and event host BCCI has worked thoroughly with host authorities to ensure fans can be welcomed in a safe atmosphere and COVID 19 protocols will apply at all venues. The tournament kicks off with the Round 1 match between Oman and Papua New Guinea in Muscat.

One of cricket’s biggest rivalries, India and Pakistan, will take place on 24 October in Dubai. The first match of the Super 12s round will be played on October 23 with Australia and South Africa taking on each other.

Jay Shah, Honorary Secretary BCCI, said, “I am delighted that the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will be played in front of cheering fans both in the UAE and Oman. My sincere thanks to the government of the UAE and Oman for paving the way for fans to return. The anticipation for the World Cup, which is taking place after five years, is building with each passing day.”

“I am sure we will have fans coming from different parts of the world to support their team. The vibe they will create will boost the performances on the field. The ticket sales have started, and I urge everyone to stay safe and follow the health advisories and savor the experience,” he added.

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