As the England tour will mark the return of cricket in India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is keen to bring back the crowd during this series. The England team has already arrived in India and they will be quarantined for six days before starting a full practice session.
With some amount of spectators being allowed to watch the matches from the stadium, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is also looking forward to allowing fans at the stadiums in Ahmedabad and Pune for the upcoming series.
As reported by The Times of India, the Indian board is confident of getting fans in for the last two Tests and five T20Is at the revamped Motera stadium in Ahmedabad and the three ODIs in Pune.
“The board has been in talks with the two concerned associations. 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 said.
BCCI planning to bring spectators in Motera Stadium:
The report added that the Motera Stadium – which can accommodate over a lakh spectator, is likely to see the return of international cricket in India with some fanfare as the board is pretty keen on doing so. Around 25, 000 to 30, 000 spectators can be seen on the ground soon – which is still 50 per cent less than the venue’s overall capacity.
Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) has already informed that no tickets will be put on sale for the first two Tests because of the prevailing pandemic.
“In view of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, the BCCI has decided not to take any kind of risk to 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 the BCCI directive, the first two Tests between February 5-17 being held at MA Chidambaram Stadium will take place be behind closed doors,” he wrote. “TNCA will not be issuing tickets or sub-committee badges.”
Indian team have also reached in Chennai to start the quarantine and practice for the Test series starting from February 5.