The BCCI’s decision to allow crowds for the ongoing T20 series between India and England had invited plenty of questions. With the COVID-19 outbreak situation still grim in India, the decision to permit spectators within the stadium copped with criticism. But the BCCI has prohibited crowds for the last three T20 games in Ahmedabad, set to occur on the 16th, 18th, and the 20th.
The Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) announced that the spectators who have purchased the tickets to witness the games at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad would receive refunds for the same. Gujarat has seen a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases, as has most states in India. The state has seen a surge of 810 more cases alongside a couple of deaths. Furthermore, colleges and schools have also been shut in Surat as students contract the deadly virus.
Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) Vice-President Shri Dhanraj Nathwani said that the rise in COVID-19 cases has forced them to conduct the remaining matches between India and England behind closed doors. They will form the policy for the spectators’ refund and the ones receiving complimentary tickets would not visit the stadium.
“Due to rise in the number of Coronavirus cases, we at GCA has decided in consultation with the BCCI, the matches will be played behind closed doors and not allow the spectators in the ground during T20 internationals to be played between India and England at Ahmedabad. We will form the policy for the refund of money to the spectators, who have already purchased the tickets for these three T20s. Those who have received complimentary tickets are requested not to visit the stadium,” Nathwani released the official statement,”
We have issued following press release regarding remaining T20 matches played at A’bad. @PTI_News @ANI @BCCI @JayShah @GCAMotera @dgpgujarat @CMOGuj @Mukeshias pic.twitter.com/cEOHVfdpA9
— Dhanraj Nathwani (@DhanrajNathwani) March 15, 2021
T20 series between India and England tied at 1-1:
Meanwhile, the five-match series between the two sides stands tied at 1-1 after India beat England by seven wickets in the second match to level it. England won the opening fixture by eight wickets.
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