IND vs WI: CAB requests BCCI to allow spectators in Eden Gardens for T20I series

The Cricket Association Bengal (CAB) has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to allow the entry of fans into the Eden Gardens stadium where the T20I series between India and the West Indies will take place starting from next week.

Keeping in mind the fact that the COVID-19 numbers are gradually decreasing in India, the CAB apex council had a meeting on Thursday. The council informed CAB’s members that the request was forwarded to BCCI and they were waiting for the reply. The T20I series is scheduled to take place on the 16th, 18th, and 20th.

The other key decisions that were taken at the meeting include:

• The decision to renovate Eden Garden’s floodlight system was approved
• Fixtures and rules for the league tournament approved
• The registration window for players is extended till February 28.
• Proposal to initiate University tournaments

Sourav Ganguly had earlier announced that spectators will not be allowed

CAB also adressed that BCCI President Sourav Ganguly had earlier announced that spectators will not be allowed in the stadium as a part of the board’s safety-first approach. Ganguly’s clarification came after CAB’s President Avishek Dalmiya expressed his desire to conduct the matches the same way they had been done during the T20 series between India and New Zealand earlier this year. Spectators were allowed to attend those matches.

Dalmiya made the statement post the government’s decision to open up 75% of the sports institutions including spectator participation after the dip in the daily no. of COVID-19 numbers. Ahmedabad is the host city for the ongoing ODI series between India and the West Indies.

Speaking of the shortest format of the game, the Indian team did not have a great run in the T20 World Cup in UAE and last year. India had to face a group stage exit. Even though India won 3 out of their 5 fixtures, they were humbled by the two major teams in the tournament which they suffered against Pakistan and New Zealand.

India will be heading into the T20I series against the Windies with the upcoming World T20 in the back of their mind. India will be trying out various permutations and combinations so that they would be able to perform better at the world stage.