India vs England 2021: TNCA official says 50 per cent in-stadium fans will be allowed for the second Test in Chennai

India vs England 2021: TNCA official says 50 per cent in-stadium fans will be allowed for the second Test in Chennai
MA Chidambaram Stadium

On Monday, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association cleared the air regarding in-stadium spectators for the second Test match between India and England in Chennai. As per recent reports, the officials have decided to allow 50 per cent spectators during the second Test at the MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai.

“We discussed the issue of allowing spectators for the second India vs England Test following fresh COVID-19 guidelines by the Central government permitting crowds at sporting venues and also the state government’s SOPs given on Sunday,” the TNCA official told PTI.

“It has been decided by the BCCI and TNCA to allow 50 per cent spectators for the second Test by following all safety protocols.”

First Test match in Chennai still to be conducted without any in-stadium fans

Virat Kohli (left) and Joe Root (right).

With the first Test set to definitely not allow fans inside the stadium, TNCA has given the flexibility for the second Test to allow in-stadium spectators. However, crowds have already been allowed for the third and fourth Test in Ahmedabad.

Besides, officials have said that media would be allowed to cover both the Tests from the press box at the stadium. Media conferences, however, would still be held virtually.

“There is little time to make arrangements for spectators’ entry for the first Test so the crowd cannot be allowed. Though the gap between the two Tests is only three days, we are confident that arrangements can be made for (50 per cent) fans in second Test keeping the safety norms in mind,” the official added.

The first Test match between India-England gets underway on February 5, while the second match will start on February 13.

Also read: India vs England 2021: BCCI allows in-stadium spectators for Motera Test on February 24