3-match ODI series between India and England to be played behind closed doors
Cricketers get a whole lot of boost from the fans because they play an important role in uplifting their morale during the passage of play. When the players are a bit jaded and self-confidence comes crashing down, the way in which fans cheer up for their favourite cricketers just helps them to give 100% commitment on the field.
Coming to the point, the first Test match between India and England at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai was played behind closed doors. However, in the second Test match in the same venue, Tamil Nadu government allowed 50% fans to enter inside the stadium.
The fans turned up in numbers to witness the pink-ball Test match in Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The fourth Test will also be played in the same venue which will also see an enormous crowd at the stadium. Team India continued their winning formula by beating England by 10 wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
No fans to be allowed in ODI series
After the Test series, India and England will play the five-match T20I series. Later on, both teams will play the three-match ODI series. Just as the COVID-19 epidemic was no longer a big threat, there was a sudden increase in coronavirus cases in Maharashtra. It’s because of this, the Maharashtra Cricket Association decided to put restrictions in place. It has been said that Pune will be hosting the forthcoming ODI series between India and England without the crowd.
All three ODIs will be held at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. MCA had confirmed the news on February 27. Amid an unexpected increase in coronavirus cases, there were rumours and speculations that the series will be shifted out of Pune. Nonetheless, it didn’t happen as the cricketers are likely to play in a bio-secure environment.
In a recent statement released by the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, it was said that there have been norms from the chief minister of Maharashtra which resulted in the making this decision. “Keeping the seriousness of the current spike in COVID cases in Maharashtra, after inputs from the Hon’ble Chief Minister, it was decided that permission will be granted for these matches without spectators,” a statement issued by the state association read.
The statement further read, “The Chief Minister requested the President of the Maharashtra Cricket Association to take all the necessary precautions regarding players and other officials. With this, the uncertainty about holding these three ODI matches has ended and the association can start preparatory works like obtaining various permissions.”
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