Former cricketer and BCCI President Sourav Ganguly ahead of the much-awaited first Test match between India and Sri Lanka in Mohali, has opened up on allowing 50 percent crowd for Virat Kohli’s 100th Test.
Well, even though it was initially announced that Virat Kohli’s milestone Test will be played inside the closed doors, the BCCI has now given a green signal to the Punjab Cricket Association to host the upcoming 1st Test between India and Sri Lanka with a 50 percent capacity at PCA Stadium. The decision has to be overturned in the view of the match being Virat Kohli’s 100th Test.
Talking about the BCCI’s decision, Sourav Ganguly said: “Virat Kohli’s 100th test match will have no restrictions. BCCI asks the state associations to open up on the basis of govt directives. It is as per the government norms,”
He added: “Punjab Cricket Association will have a crowd as per government norms in Mohali Test. I have spoken to PCA president Rajinder Gupta and there will be no restrictions.”
BCCI secretary Jay Shah also expressed joy at the decision taken by the Indian board and is now looking forward to the game.
“The first Test between India and Sri Lanka to be played at the Punjab Cricket Stadium in Mohali will not be held behind closed doors. The decision to allow spectators into the ground is one taken by the State Cricketing Associations and in the present circumstances, is based on various factors. I have spoken with the PCA office bearers and they have confirmed that cricket fans will be able to witness the historic moment of Virat Kohli playing his 100th Test match,”
He added: “While we started off the West Indies Tour of India behind closed doors, the encouraging dip in Covid-19 cases allowed the hosting associations to permit crowds. Based on the advisories by the State Health Authorities fans were able to witness the games in Kolkata and Dharamsala while UPCA had Lucknow T20I without crowds owing to polling a day before the match.”
Further, expressing his excitement for Virat Kohli’s 100th Test, Jay Shah said: “I am really looking forward to Virat Kohli’s 100th Test and wish our champion cricketer the very best. This is an occasion for our fans to savour. May he continue to represent the country in many more matches to come,”
The Indian cricket team will play the first of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in Mohali. The second Test match will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
