IND v WI: CAB Requests BCCI To Allow Crowd In Eden Gardens For India vs West Indies T20Is

Though the ongoing three-match One-day International series between India and West Indies is being played behind closed doors at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, fans may be allowed to watch the following T20I series between the two sides at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata as the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has requested BCCI for permission.

India and West Indies will lock horns in the T20I series at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata from February 16. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) on Thursday requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to allow spectators at Eden Gardens for the T20I series against West Indies.

The CAB President Avishek Dalmiya, on February 4, had said, the board has not received any written information from BCCI regarding crowd capacity in a stadium for the West Indies series.

“There are reports in the media that spectators would not be allowed during the three T-20 International Matches between India and West Indies to be held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, later this month. However, we have not received any written intimation or information regarding the same from the BCCI till now. Therefore, we would like to refrain from issuing any reaction in the matter at present,” Dalmiya had stated.

CAB Asks BCCI To Grant Permission For Crowds For West Indies T20Is

On February 5, Sourav Ganguly, the BCCI President, had ruled out the possibility of having crowds in Eden Gardens for the T20I series. He had added that only CAB officials and representatives of the various units will be allowed entry. The count in such a case will be less than 1000.

“Let me put this on record. We are not allowing spectators at the Eden Gardens for the three T20 Internationals. There will not be any tickets for general public. The only people allowed are CAB officials and representatives of the various units.

In these times, we can’t risk the health of the players by allowing spectators. No tickets for the stands of Life or Associate members will be issued. Obviously, we have the clearance of West Bengal government but BCCI doesn’t want to risk the health safety of players,” Ganguly had told PTI.

However, with the West Bengal government opening 75 percent capacity for sporting activities, including crowd presence, the CAB is optimistic of BCCI relenting and letting them have crowds in the Eden Gardens for the three T20I matches.

“The matter relating to the hosting of the three T20 international matches between India and West Indies were discussed threadbare. It was informed to the members that the CAB has requested the BCCI to allow spectators at the venue. Feedback from the BCCI is awaited. CAB is still hopeful of a positive outcome,” the CAB said in a statement.

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