IND vs ENG: With growing COVID-19 cases, last three T20Is will be played behind closed doors

As the COVID-19 cases once again starts to increase, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday announced the decision to conduct the remaining three T20Is behind closed doors. “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in consultation with the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) has decided to conduct the final three T20Is against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium behind closed doors. The decision was arrived at following detailed discussions with the state and local health authorities,” BCCI said in a release on Monday.

“The BCCI will continue to comply with all the regulations put in place to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus and will always put the health and safety of its fans and stakeholders at the top.

“Those who have purchased tickets for any or all three T20Is will be refunded and the process for the same will be announced in due course,” the release stated.

Gujarat Cricket Association also issued a statement. “Due to rising COVID-19 cases, remaining T20 International matches between India and England will be played without audience at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Refund will be given to the spectators who have purchased tickets,” said Dhanraj Nathwani, vice president of GCA.

Dhanraj Nathwani also suggested that people who have received complimentary tickets are requested not to visit for the game.

The first two matches of the T20I series were held with 50 per cent strength of the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Currently, India and England are tied at 1-1 in the five-match series. The third match will be played today, 16 March, while the final two matches will be played on 18 and 20 March.