Pandemic has hit the world badly and the majority of the games are being played behind closed doors. But, now, ECB is expected to take a big step by allowing 4000 spectators in the ground for the IND vs NZ World Test Championship final that is slated to take place on 18th June at The Rose Bowl in Southampton.
On May 19 a game in England was played in front of the crowd and no COVID-19 case was detected. And, this is looked down as a good approach ahead of the maiden and prestigious WTC final. On one side New Zealand has touched down England soil for playing two-match Test series. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli and Co. will leave India on June 2nd.
IND vs NZ WTC Final: ECB Preparing 4000 Spectators For WTC Final
During an interview, Rod Bransgrove, the head of Hampshire County Club head, said that they are going start staging count championship games with spectators in the ground ahead of the WTC final. This is going to be first time since September 2019 when fans will get the opportunity to attend games.
“We’re staging a four-day county game from today and for the first time since September 2019 fans were allowed for a cricket match in England. The other county games of this round will begin tomorrow and those games too will see crowds,” Rod Bransgrove, the head of Hampshire County Club, told Cricbuzz from Southampton confirming that the WTC final will have a good turnout.
He added that they have got the permission to fill allow only 50 percent crowd and they will follow the guideline by selling only 4000 tickets in every game.
“I understand 50 percent of the permitted crowds will be taken by the ICC for its sponsors and other stake holders and we will be selling the rest 2000 tickets. We have already received more than double applications from the fans. It is a high-interest game and there is a good demand for it.” he said.
“Given the travel restrictions and quarantine protocols I am not sure how many of ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India members will come for the game. We will be happy to sell those tickets too,” the veteran administrator said.
“We are waiting the Indian team to complete their quarantine in India and arrive here. We are ready to host them,” he remarked.
Recently, IPL 2021 was also played behind the closed doors. But, the tournament had to still face the repercussions due to COVID-19 as few players were tested positive.
