The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is pretty keen on getting the crowd in the stands for the upcoming T20Is between India and England. "We are trying to open the stadium for fans to witness what awaits to be a thrilling T20I series between India and England. While we are yet to decide on the numbers, the idea is to get close to 50 per cent of the seats filled. But the final decision lies with the government. Safety is a priority even as we adapt to the new normal," an official said, while speaking to ANI.
The first two Test matches that are scheduled to take place in Chennai will not see any spectators in the stands.
"In view of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, the BCCI has decided not to take any kind of risk with 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," TNCA secretary Ramasaamy wrote in the circular.
"As per BCCI directive, the first two Tests between February 5-17 being held at MA Chidambaram Stadium will take place behind closed doors.
"TNCA will not be issuing tickets or sub-committee badges."
The Test series begins from February 5 in Chennai. The first two Tests are slated to take place in Chennai and the teams will then move to Ahmedabad for the next two encounters.
Captain Virat Kohli who missed the last three Tests against Australia will be back to lead the team while all-rounder Hardik Pandya and fast bowler Ishant Sharma have also returned to the squad.
In absence of Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel has been called up to strengthen the spin bowling attack alongside R Ashwin, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav. Prithvi Shaw and left-arm seamer T. Natarajan have been dropped.
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