The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday gave the go-ahead to the Punjab Cricket Association to host the 1st Test between India and Sri Lanka with a 50 percent capacity at PCA Stadium. The BCCI’s decision comes as welcome news for spectators who will have the opportunity to watch Virat Kohli’s 100tth Test from the stands.
The BCCI has asked the PCA to make arrangements to allow fans up to 50 percent capacity of the PCA Stadium for Kohli’s landmark Test. It remains to be seen when the ticket sales for the Test series opener will get underway, considering the imitation in time for printing match tickets. The PCA is likely to allow the online sale of tickets.
India will take on Sri Lanka in the first of the 2-Test series in Mohali from Friday, March 4.
FANS WILL BE ABLE TO WITNESS HISTORIC MOMENT: JAY SHAH
Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Jay Shah, in a statement, said he is looking forward to Virat Kohli’s 100th Test and that the match in Mohali will not be held behind closed doors.
“The first Test between India and Sri Lanka to be played at the Punjab Cricket Stadium in Mohali will not be held behind closed doors,” Shah said.
“The decision to allow spectators into the ground is one taken by the State Cricketing Associations and in the present circumstances, is based on various factors. I have spoken with the PCA office bearers and they have confirmed that cricket fans will be able to witness the historic moment of Virat Kohli playing his 100th Test match.”
“While we started off the West Indies Tour of India behind closed doors, the encouraging dip in COVID-19 cases allowed the hosting associations to permit crowds..
“Based on the advisories by the State Health Authorities fans were able to witness the games in Kolkata and Dharamsala while UPCA had Lucknow T20I without crowds owing to polling a day before the match.
“I am really looking forward to Virat Kohli’s 100th Test and wish our champion cricketer the very best. This is an occasion for our fans to savour. May he continue to represent the country in many more matches to come.”
Last week, PCA treasurer RP Singla told the PTI that fans will be barred from attending the first Test against Sri Lanka due to Covid-19. He added that the decision was taken in line with a directive from the BCCI.
The PCA, however, has put up billboards across the stadium to celebrate the momentous occasion. Singla had also told the agency that Virat Kohli would be felicitated by the state body’s apex council either before or after the Test match in Mohali.
However, a section of fans expressed their disappointment at Kohli playing his 100th Test in front of empty stands in Mohali, questioning the BCCI’s decision. While the T20I series against Sri Lanka was played with spectators in both Dharamsala, the 2nd Test in Bengaluru will also have 50 percent capacity at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Legendary India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar said on Monday that it was disappointing to not have crowd at Virat Kohli’s 100th Test.
“Any game that you play, you want the crowd to be there. India has played without any crowds in recent times. Any performer, be it an actor, be it a cricketer, wants to play in front of the crowd. The 100th Test is very very special. Disappointing that there is going to be no crowd, but I think the decision has been taken in the greater interest. The cases have increased in and around Mohali, where the match is going to be played,” Sunil Gavaskar had told Sports Today.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, India vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah also said the team was not focusing on things that are not in their control when asked about the board’s initial decision to not have a crowd for the landmark Test.
“Right now we’re focussed on what we can control. Of course, if there’s a crowd it’s great since they bring energy. But that’s not in our hands. We can only focus on trying to win the match,” Bumrah said.