BCCI mulls welcoming crowd back from second Test in Chennai

After declaring that the first Test in Chennai will be played behind closed doors, the BCCI is exploring the possibility of allowing crowds for the second Test in Chennai and the two Ahmedabad Tests. Yesterday, the Central Government allowed the outdoor sporting events to be operated at full capacity, with the Tamil Nadu government sharing […]
 
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BCCI mulls welcoming crowd back from second Test in Chennai

After declaring that the first Test in Chennai will be played behind closed doors, the BCCI is exploring the possibility of allowing crowds for the second Test in Chennai and the two Ahmedabad Tests.

Yesterday, the Central Government allowed the outdoor sporting events to be operated at full capacity, with the Tamil Nadu government sharing the directive that the stadiums in the state will allow 50% crowd. With India vs England Test being the first major sporting event in the city currently, there are now chances.

Earlier, it was revealed that England didn’t want to take any chances, which resulted in TNCA announcing the first Test to be played behind closed doors but now hopes are there for crowds to fill the stands for the second Test.

“We have not received a formal communication in writing but we received a call from the BCCI today (Sunday) that we can explore the possibility of having crowds,” Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) secretary S Ramasamy told Cricbuzz.

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BCCI mulls welcoming crowd back from second Test in Chennai

“We will meet tomorrow and see if we can work out something. There is very little time between the first Test (February 5-9) and the second. We don’t have vendors in place and we have also not printed tickets. We will see if it is possible at all. The time is too short,” the TNCA official said.

BCCI waits ECB’s clearance

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had objected to the plan initially, fearing allowing fans to enter the venue might put the bio-bubble in danger, with the players undergoing hard quarantine in the city. However, the report suggested that there’s a change in heart from ECB’s standpoint.

“We were always comfortable (having crowds). We want to support BCCI’s plans and protocols. We are collaborating and we are waiting to hear from them,” the spokesman said on Sunday.