Known as the “Mecca of Cricket”, the Lord’s cricket ground will be buzzing with full capacity when the home team takes on Pakistan in the second ODI of the three-match ODI series starting on 10th July.
The decision to host the match with full capacity is due to the fact that the event will be monitored by the British Government under its ‘Event Research Programme’. In an order to gather evidence on how crowds can make their way back into stadiums after the pandemic subsides, the UK government is organising the match will full capacity.
“The fixture falls before the planned relaxation of Government restrictions on 19 July and MCC has been working closely with ECB, DCMS, Public Health England and Westminster Citybehind Council on obtaining the green light to allow more supporters into the Home of Cricket for this match," read a press release.
“The Government’s science-led Events Research Programme is conducting scientific research studies at all events to gather the evidence that will inform how crowds can be returned to live events as safely as possible. The results of studies will be used to help shape policy and future guidelines,” it further added.
For spectators coming to watch the match, strict protocols are in place. They will need to produce proof of vaccination or negative RT-PCT test results at the time of entry.
“We are heartened to be able to welcome full crowds into Lord’s for the forthcoming encounter between England and Pakistan. To have England men’s first ODI at the Home of Cricket in almost two years and in front of a capacity crowd, will be truly memorable,” Guy Lavender, Chief Executive and Secretary of MCC said.
“There has been tremendous work going on behind the scenes and we are grateful to ECB, DCMS, Public Health England and Westminster City Council for their support and cooperation in achieving this outcome. We look forward to welcoming cricket fans back to the Home of Cricket, for what will be a full weekend of sport and most importantly with crowds,” he further added.