India and England would be renewing their rivalry as they clash in a five-match Twenty20 International series, starting Friday. With all the games to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, it won't be unknown territory for either side, who played the final two Tests of the just concluded four-Test series, won by India 301.
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Meanwhile, the two Tests at this venue saw 50% of the capacity crowd being allowed inside, nearly 55,000, compared to the original capacity of 1,10,000. As things stand for the T20Is, the Gujarat Cricket Association has confirmed that there would be no change in the capacity, for now, keeping in mind the safety norms regarding the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.
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"We are going to use only 50% seating capacity at the Narendra Modi Stadium for all the T20 International matches to be played here due to COVID-19 pandemic. The entire stadium has been sanitized considering safety of the spectators. All COVID-19 guidelines are being strictly adhered to and special task force committees have been set up to ensure that all required safety measures are implemented and followed," said Dhanraj Nathwani, GCA vice-president in a release, reports PTI.
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Following the conclusion of the T20Is, the teams would move to Pune for a three-game One-Day International series to be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium from March 23. However, the capacity crowd for the ODIs remains undecided, while the venue has an official capacity of 37,000.It is to be noted that the Maharashtra state has seen a steep rise in the number of COVID cases in the past few weeks. As a result, the government is yet to ease its stance on public gathering, which could mean that the matches in Pune could be held behind closed doors or with 25-30% of the capacity crowd.
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