The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to allow 20,000 spectators, mostly ticket-holding members of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), to watch India’s third and final T20 International against West Indies on February 20.
“As discussed with other OB, as per your request, you can open up for the last T20 match against West Indies at Eden,” BCCI President, Sourav Ganguly has emailed to CAB Chief, Avishek Dalmiya.
Along with this, CAB will also issue complimentary tickets to its members and affiliated units.
“We are extremely thankful to BCCI for their kind consideration. This consent of the Board would help CAB meet its obligations to Life Associate, Annual and honorary members for the 20th February match,” Dalmiya said.
In an earlier interview with PTI, Ganguly stated that the BCCI will not allow spectators because they do not want any health risks for the players. Later, Dalmiya asked the board to allow fans for the match in the stadium.
In November 2021, 70% of spectators were permitted to attend the India-New Zealand T20Is.
In the series against West Indies, around 2000 fans have been allowed in the corporate boxes and the upper tier of the Dr BC Roy Club House for the first two T20Is. The match passes for the first two games are reserved solely for the representatives of the sponsors.
The previous three-match One-Day International series in Ahmedabad was played in an open stadium.
As of now, India’s upcoming series against Sri Lanka begins on February 24 in Lucknow. The first T20I will be played in an open stadium.
However, it remains to be seen whether the board will allow spectators after the gates open at Eden Gardens for the third T20I against the Windies.