India vs England 2021: All T20Is to be played with 50 percent seating capacity, GCA confirms

India vs England 2021: All T20Is to be played with 50 percent seating capacity, GCA confirms

Motera's Sardar Patel Stadium

Indian T20I Team

With the test series between India and England done and dusted, all focus now shifts to the five-match T20I series which begins today in Ahmedabad. The Narendra Modi Stadium will be the host for all five matches and is set to see some exhilarating action over the course of the next 10 days or so. The series will then be followed by a three-match ODI series in Pune after which the Indian Premier League (IPL) will begin.

There has been a lot of talk about admitting crowds back in to stadiums following the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic. But a recent resurgence from the disease has led to more precautions being taken. The IPL is set to take place behind closed doors and a decision on crowds will be taken later. Similarly, for the T20I series, it has been confirmed by the Gujarat Cricket Association that only 50% of seating capacity will be used.

GCA Vice President confirms the news

Motera Stadium
Narendra Modi Stadium

The Vice President of the Gujarat Cricket Association Dhanraj Nathwani spoke to ANI and confirmed the news that only 50% of the capacity will be used. “We are going to use only 50% seating capacity at the Narendra Modi Stadium for all the T20 International matches to be played here due to COVID-19 pandemic. Up to 50 per cent tickets will be issued on the online and offline ticketing platforms for these matches,” he said.

The stadium will be thoroughly sanitized in order to ensure the safety of the spectators. Further, protocols and guidelines with regard to COVID-19 would be adhered to and task force committees have been appointed to ensure the same.

The first T20I begins today at 7 PM IST.

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