|| India Correspondent ||
The new year is going to be good for cricket fans as they can enjoy some live action soon as the BCCI and the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association have decided to allow 50 per cent people of the stadium's capacity during the second India-England Test, which is scheduled to be played at the MA Chidambaram stadium, a top TNCA official has said to PTI on Monday.
However, the BCCI had earlier proposed this to the TNCA members but they had refused the proposal as well. But both the BCCI and the TNCA members recently discussed this matter in a meeting after the new COVID-19 guidelines ease on public movement and entry of spectators at the stadiums were issued as well.
"We discussed the issue of allowing spectators for the second India vs England Test following fresh COVID-19 guidelines by the Central government permitting crowds at sporting venues and also the state government's SOPs given on Sunday," the TNCA official said to PTI. "It has been decided by the BCCI and TNCA to allow 50 per cent spectators for the second Test by following all safety protocols."
However, the England cricket team have refused to comment on the development. "We are not going to comment on speculation. We are still waiting to hear from the BCCI in terms of their protocols for the forthcoming Test series," England's media spokesperson said.
However, the MA Chidambaram stadium has a capacity of 50,000 as well. The first Test between India and England is all set to begin on Friday whereas the second Test will start on February 13. Notably, Crowds will be allowed for the third and fourth Test in Ahmedabad as well. Even, the official has confirmed that media will be allowed to cover both the Tests from the press box at the stadium, although media conferences will be held virtually.
"There is little time to make arrangements for spectators entry for the first Test so the crowd cannot be allowed. Though the gap between the two Tests is only three days, we are confident that arrangements can be made for (50 per cent) fans in second Test keeping the safety norms in mind," the official further added.