The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) made it clear that the opening Test between India and Sri Lanka, also slated to be former skipper Virat Kohli’s 100th Test, will be held behind closed doors. The Indian cricket board (BCCI) doesn’t want to take any chances despite Covid-19 cases being on the decline. However, the second Test, a day-nighter in Bengaluru, will have crowd attendance at 50% capacity, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) announced.
PCA treasurer RP Singla said that the state cricket association respects the sentiments of the fans, but also has to abide by the BCCI directive due to cases in and around Mohali. In the past 24 hours, Mohali reported 19 fresh cases.
“Apart from the people who are on duty for the Test match, no general spectators will be allowed. We are strictly abiding by the directives of the BCCI. We are also ensuring that the ground staff and all others on duty are double vaccinated,” the PCA treasurer said.
“The Mohali ground is hosting an international match after almost three years. Coincidentally this will also be a landmark Test for Kohli. But the safety of players, support staff, ground staff and the fans is paramount, which is why we had to take the call,” he said.
