BCCI to allow 70% fans in Eden Gardens for India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I.
New Zealand tour of India, 2021: In welcoming news for the Indian fans, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and state government of West Bengal have confirmed the inclusion of 70 per cent fans in the stadium for India vs New Zealand 3rd and final T20I match.
Team India will host New Zealand for three matches T20I series and two test matches following the completion of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2021 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The third and final T20I match between India and New Zealand at Eden Gardens will hear the chants of the fans from the stadium as the West Bengal government has issued a directive to operate the Eden Gardens with 70 per cent crowd support.
India has not allowed the 100 per cent attendance of crowd ever since the covid pandemic shook the entire world. Though, BCCI approved the presence of fans for India vs England test matches, earlier this year, however, the stadium doors were soon forced to be closed after the covid cases surge.
The Eden Gardens, which hosted the 2016 T20 Final between England and West Indies, will host its first international match since 2019. With a total capacity of 68,000, the Eden Gardens will allow around 47,000 fans to watch the live-action between India vs New Zealand in the 3rd T20I match.
ALSO READ: Virat Kohli condemns the communal abuse against Mohd Shami after India lost to Pakistan
“Now that the nod from the state government has been received, we are also hopeful that the BCCI too would accord its consent (for the 70 per cent capacity),” president Avishek Dalmiya was quoted as saying by Telegraph. The CAB pitch curator, Sujan Mukherjee said, “We’ve worked well in advance to keep the pitch and the outfield ready. The wicket will have a firm bounce, and it promises good cricket for sure. We’ll also get a fair idea from the women’s matches.”
New Zealand tour of India, 2021 Schedule:
November 17 – 1st T20I – Jaipur
November 19 – 2nd T20I – Ranchi
November 21 – 3rd T20I – Kolkata
November 25-29 – 1st Test – Kanpur
December 03-07 – 2nd Test – Mumbai
