Mohali: A Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) official said that the BCCI will not allow spectators for the first Test (IND vs SL Test Series) between India and Sri Lanka starting here on March 4. There will also be a 100th Test (Virat Kohli 100th Test Match) match.
This decision has been taken in view of the fresh cases of COVID-19 in and around Mohali. It also took into account the fact that most of the Indian players would join their Indian Premier League (IPL) teams after the end of the second Test in a ‘bubble to bubble transfer’.
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PCA senior treasurer RP Singla told PTI on Saturday, “Yes, as per the guidelines of the BCCI (Cricket Board of India) general spectators will not be allowed for Test matches other than those on duty.” He said, “Fresh COVID-19 cases are being reported in and around Mohali so it is better that we all follow safety protocols. Surely the fans will be disappointed as the international match is being held in Mohali after almost three years.”
However, the PCA is putting up ‘billboards’ throughout the stadium to celebrate this glorious occasion of Kohli’s glittering cricket career. “We are putting up big billboards and our PCA Apex Council has also decided to felicitate Virat. We will do it at the beginning of the match or at the end as per the instructions of the BCCI. (agency)