IPL 2021 and England’s tour of India is likely to be played with spectators in the stadium after the government is now all set to allow 50% crowd. After the COVID-19 outbreak, no sporting matches have been conducted in India. It was assumed that in 2021 sports events will take place behind closed doors in India due to the coronavirus scare. That meant that the England series in India and IPL 2020 will be contested with any spectators in the stadium.
However, 2021 has started on a good note and cricket matches are expected to have crowds in the stadiums. The new guidelines from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports have decided to allow 50% of the spectators in the stadium from now on. The BCCI will be delighted with the news as they can now conduct the marquee England series and next IPL with supporters in the ground.
Also Read: Australia vs India 2020: 3rd Test, Sydney India’s Predicted Playing XI
IPL 2021 And England Series To Be Played With Spectators
England will tour India in February where they will be playing 4 Tests, 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is. On the other hand, after conducting IPL in UAE, BCCI is now ready to stage the IPL 2021 in India. IPL 2021 is again all set to be a spectacle as 50% crowd will be permitted to watch the matches live from the stadium.
According to Insidesport, the IPL Governing Council and the BCCI will have to follow below guidelines to allow fans back to stadiums:
1) The spectators at the sporting event would be per the guidelines issued by Ministry of Home Affairs vide its letter No. 40-3/2020-DM-I (A); dated 25th November 2020 [Para 9 clause (v}) or as amended from time to time.
2) For outdoor events, spectators will be allowed up to a maximum of 50% of the total capacity of the stadium
3) CCTV monitoring should be planned for events to detect over-crowding at entry & exit gates and seating arena.
Meanwhile, even though the Indian government has permitted for fans to attend matches but in case of IPL and England series, BCCI will have to take prior permission from the local authorities for the same. The BCCI would hope that the COVID-19 spike decreases during April and May when IPL 2021 is likely to be contested.
Also Read: IPL 2021 Auction: Top 10 Highest Paid Batsmen In IPL 2020
