The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will not allow spectators in the first Test match against Sri Lanka from March 4. What is noteworthy is that this match is the 100th Test match of star batsman Virat Kohli.
However, a Punjab Cricket Association official said the board had decided not to allow spectators to enter the stadium for the match. The board has taken this decision because of the Corona cases around Mohali. In addition, most Indian players have to join their respective IPL teams after a two-Test series.
PCA Treasurer RP Singla said that as per the instructions of the BCCI, no spectators would be allowed to enter the stadium except those who are to be on duty for the Test match.
Currently, there is an increase in cases of Covid-19 in Mohali and surrounding areas. It is therefore essential to observe safety protocols. The international match is being played in Mohali after three years so the spectators will surely be disappointed.
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However, the PCA will put up billboards all over the stadium to celebrate Kohli’s memorable Test. “We will put up big billboards in the stadium,” the official said. In addition, the PCA Apex Council has decided to honor Kohli. They will honor him at the beginning or the end of the match as per the order of the BCCI.
India and Sri Lanka will play a three-match T20 series followed by a two-match Test series. India last played a three-Test series in a tour of South Africa. In which the team had to face defeat by 1-2. After completing this series, Virat Kohli resigned as the captain of the Test team. Rohit Sharma will replace him as the captain of the Test team. The series against Sri Lanka will be Rohit Sharma’s first official Test series as captain.
Gavaskar Speaks On The Situation
Former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar is also feeling the grief of ordinary cricket fans. And like five familiar cricket fans, he is disappointed with the BCCI’s decision. According to Gavaskar, such a Test would make all cricketers want to play in front of the spectators. But Kohli is not getting that opportunity.
Although disappointed, Gavaskar does not see the BCCI’s decision as wrong. He said, “The Mohali Test will be held with the door closed as a precaution. Infections have recently increased in this town in Punjab. The board had to take such a decision as a precaution.”
