India is set to host Sri Lanka for the 1st Test in two-match series on 4th March. It is going to be an important game for Virat Kohli as it will mark his 100th red-ball game in international cricket. However, many former cricketers are upset with the fact that the game will be played behind closed doors. Now, Sunil Gavaskar, the former Indian cricketer has also joined the bandwagon.
Virat Kohli has played 99 Tests and amassed 7962 runs with the help of 27 centuries and 28 fifties. He is set for the 100 Test milestone with the game against Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, he might also manage to score 8000 Test runs as he is just 38 runs away from entering to 8k Test runs the elite club.
Sunil Gavaskar wanted crowd to be present in Virat Kohli’s 100th Test
BCCI have not made big arrangements for one of the biggest athletes in the country and Sunil Gavaskar is not very much impressed with the cricket board. The former Indian cricketer said that the crowd is very important for every player playing the game. As per him, the 100th Test match is a special milestone. But, a sudden increase in positive cases led BCCI to take such a decision.
“Any game that you play, you want the crowd to be there. India has played without any crowds in recent times. Any performer, be it an actor, be it a cricketer, wants to play in front of the crowd. The 100th Test is very very special. Disappointing that there is going to be no crowd, but I think the decision has been taken in the greater interest. The cases have increased in and around Mohali, where the match is going to be played,” Sunil Gavaskar told Sports Today.
Earlier, PCA treasurer informed that only officials are allowed on the ground and no spectators.
“Yes, apart from the people, who are on duty for the Test match, we are not allowing any general spectators as per the directive of BCCI,” senior PCA treasurer RP Singla told PTI on Saturday.
“Still there are fresh COVID cases emerging in and around Mohali, so it’s better we take all safety protocols. Obviously, the fans miss out because an international match at Mohali is happening after almost three years,” Singla added.
