India vs South Africa: Lucknow, Kolkata ODIs to be played in empty stadiums due to coronavirus

After holding discussions with the MYAS and MOHFW, the BCCI on Thursday announced that the remaining two One-day Internationals (ODIs) of the three-match series of South Africa tour of India, 2020, will be played without any public gathering, including spectators

Mumbai: The second and third ODIs between India and South Africa will be played behind closed doors due to coronavirus (COVID-19) threat, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced.

“The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been working closely with the Government of India along with Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) in the wake of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak,” BCCI said in a media advisory on Thursday night (March 12).

After holding discussions with the MYAS and MOHFW, the BCCI on Thursday announced that the remaining two One-day Internationals (ODIs) of the three-match series of South Africa tour of India, 2020, will be played without any public gathering, including spectators. The second ODI is in Lucknow on March 15 and the final game in Kolkata on March 18.

The World Health Organisation (WHO), on Wednesday, assessed that COVID-19 can be characterised as a pandemic. The BCCI is making every effort for compliance with the regulatory bodies of the Government of India and ensure the safety of our athletes and valued fans.

The BCCI will continue to take guidance from the Government of India and state regulatory bodies, the Indian cricket board said.

The first ODI was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain in Dharamsala on Thursday.