The first T20I between India and South Africa at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Thursday is set to witness a full house. Incidentally, international cricket is returning to Delhi for the first time since November 2019, when India took on Bangladesh in a T20I.
According to the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), the host organisers, 94 percent of the tickets for the game have already been sold. DDCA joint secretary Rajan Manchanda confirmed the same to PTI saying:
“94 per cent of the tickets have been sold. There are about 400-500 tickets left.”
According to reports, around 27,000 tickets were put up for sale for the match to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to do away with bio-bubble restrictions for the India-South Africa series, which is a relief for both players and fans.
Even though the T20I series will be played without bio-bubble restrictions in place, the DDCA has urged spectators to wear masks at all times (except for eating and drinking).
“Our staff is being tested regularly. We request the fans to adhere to COVID protocols and wear masks at all times,” he added.
“Getting out of bio-bubble is really satisfying” – Rishabh Pant
Team India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant recently expressed relief at the fact that the players would not have to stay in a restricted environment during the home series against South Africa. Speaking on the SG Cricket Podcast, he said:
“Getting out of the bio-bubble is really very satisfying. And hopefully, there are no more bio-bubble things, so I’m enjoying the time out now we have gone through so much.”
Admitting that bio-bubbles were affecting the mental state of players, the 24-year-old added, “When you keep on playing throughout the year, especially with the kind of pressure it is important to relax your mind. If you can’t refresh your mind, you won’t be giving your hundred percent. We need to keep working on our mind and keep refreshing.”
