IND vs SL: Fans will be allowed to go to the stadium for Virat Kohli’s 100th Test match.© AFP
The first Test between India and Sri Lanka, which will be superstar batsman Virat Kohli’s historic 100th match, will be played in front of an audience from Friday, reversing the earlier decision to play the game behind closed doors. Cricket fans will be able to witness the historic moment of Kohli playing his 100th Test match, BCCI secretary Jay Shah said in a statement on Tuesday. “The first Test between India and Sri Lanka to be played at the Punjab Cricket Stadium in Mohali will not take place behind closed doors,” Shah said in the statement.
“The decision to allow spectators to the ground has been taken by the state cricket associations and, in the current circumstances, is based on various factors. I have spoken to the PCA office bearers and they have confirmed that cricket fans have been able to witness the historic moment.” Virat Kohli is playing his 100th Test match. The BCCI secretary said that though the recent white-ball series against West Indies was played behind closed doors, the decline in COVID-19 cases across the country allowed the hosting associations to crowd.
“Based on advice by the state health authorities, fans were able to watch games in Kolkata and Dharamsala, while the UPCA in Lucknow was without crowds due to polling the day before the T20I match.
“I am really looking forward to Virat Kohli’s 100th Test and wish our champion cricketer the best. It is an opportunity for our fans to savor it. He continues to represent the country in many more matches to come.” The PCA also confirmed that spectators will be allowed in Test matches.
PCA treasurer RP Singla said, “BCCI has asked us to go ahead with 50 per cent crowd during the upcoming test match. BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal had called us and told that 50 per cent crowd will be allowed and We are now making necessary arrangements.” told PTI on Tuesday.
Earlier, it was decided that Kohli’s historic Test will take place behind closed doors. This drew widespread criticism, accusing the BCCI of not doing enough to persuade the reigning superstar of Indian cricket.
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Singla had said last week that spectators would not be allowed as per BCCI’s directive as fresh COVID-19 cases were still being reported in and around Mohali.
The PCA had also decided to honor Kohli on the historic achievement of playing 100 Tests. Kohli has scored 7962 runs in 99 Tests at an average of 50.39.
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