50% spectators likely in 2nd Test

Spectators might be allowed to watch the second IndiaEngland Test in Chennai; especially so since the central government's fresh COVID19 guidelines permit crowd attendance at fifty per cent of the capacity at sporting venues. The BCCI and the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association had deliberated on the entry of spectators earlier also before deciding that the first two matches would be held closed doors. But the fresh home ministry guidelines on easing of restrictions on public movement have changed the scenario. "There is no time to allow entry of spectators for the first Test starting on February 5 as we received the government notification only on Saturday. You can't arrange for entry of spectators at such a short notice," a senior TNCA official told PTI on condition of anonymity.

"But yes, now with fresh guidelines, there is every possibility that the second Test starting from February 14 might have spectators as per notification," he added.

The Chepauk has a capacity of 50,000.

Crowd entry is certain for the third and fourth Test between the two sides at the refurbished Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad. A BCCI source said that the Board's top leadership and TNCA bosses will have a series of meetings to chalk out the modalities starting Monday. "It was always clear that spectators will be allowed at Motera. But now that we have received the guidelines, the planning for the second Test can be reworked," he said.

The TNCA is also contemplating allowing the media to cover from the press box. However, no concrete decision has been taken yet, even though it is only logical that media also gets access to the press box if crowds are going to get in.

The media conferences will still be held remotely and the players or training session, for the time being, will remain out of bounds.