The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association has announced that crowds up to 50 percent will be allowed for the second India-England Test match in Chennai as per reports in Cricbuzz. England play India between February 5 to March 28 for four Tests, five T20Is, and three ODIs. Chennai will host the first two Tests. The final two Tests will be played at the newly built stadium in Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad will host the T20I series followed by Pune for the ODI series.
However, the first India-England Test between 5-9 February will be held behind closed doors as per the TNCA.
“The first Test Match between India and England being held between 5th and 9th February 2021 will be played behind closed doors without spectators as a precautionary measure for COVID-19 situation,” TNCA, the host association of the first two Tests, stated in a release.
50 Percent Crowds Allowed For Second India-England Test
It further added that in respect of the government directives of allowing 50 percent crowds for the second Test, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association will allow 50 percent spectators for the second Test.
“In view of the Government announcement that 50% occupancy would be allowed in stadia, Tamil Nadu Cricket Association will allow 50% spectators for the 2nd Test to be held between 13th and 17th February 2021” the statement further added.
Also Read: India’s Predicted XI For First Two Tests Against England
The England and Wales Cricket Board too was firm on their stand to not allow cricket fans inside the stadium for the Test matches as they did in the series against Sri Lanka in Galle. However, now they too have taken a U-Turn on their decision and said that they would cooperate with the hosts.
“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.
The development is also an indicator that fans, albeit limited, will be allowed during third and fourth Tests, as well as the five Twenty20 Internationals in Ahmedabad and three ODIs in Pune.
Also Read: BCCI Likely To Allow Crowds In Second India-England Test in Chennai
