JAIPUR: A large number of spectators and local police were seen without masks in violation of COVID-19 prevention guidelines ahead of the start of the first T20I between India and India. New Zealand Wednesday marks the first international cricket match in the country after the second wave of the pandemic.
No crowd restrictions were imposed for the series opener but spectators were allowed entry. Sawai Mansingh Stadium With evidence of vaccination or a negative RT-PCR test.
Although Rajasthan Cricket Association The game was expected to be sold out, the 25,000-capacity stadium was filled no more than half an hour before the start of the match.
Fans who lined up outside the stadium were excited about the return of international cricket to the city after eight years, but at least half of them did not care to wear masks.
Several policemen guarding the facility were also seen without masks.
Anil Gupta, a local resident inside the stadium, said, “I have come here with my son as I have got a complimentary pass. The food items sold here are very expensive.”
When asked whether his vaccination status was checked on admission, he replied in the negative. He was also not wearing a mask.
Mohit Shera, a college student, was also roaming around without face protection.
Mohit said, “I am being here after a long time as an international match. I play myself and it is exciting to watch this game.”
This is the first time amid the pandemic that crowd capacity has not been limited.
Earlier this year the India-England Test series was played with 50 per cent stadium capacity before a spike in cases forced the BCCI to organize ODIs behind closed doors.
No crowd restrictions were imposed for the series opener but spectators were allowed entry. Sawai Mansingh Stadium With evidence of vaccination or a negative RT-PCR test.
Although Rajasthan Cricket Association The game was expected to be sold out, the 25,000-capacity stadium was filled no more than half an hour before the start of the match.
Fans who lined up outside the stadium were excited about the return of international cricket to the city after eight years, but at least half of them did not care to wear masks.
Several policemen guarding the facility were also seen without masks.
Anil Gupta, a local resident inside the stadium, said, “I have come here with my son as I have got a complimentary pass. The food items sold here are very expensive.”
When asked whether his vaccination status was checked on admission, he replied in the negative. He was also not wearing a mask.
Mohit Shera, a college student, was also roaming around without face protection.
Mohit said, “I am being here after a long time as an international match. I play myself and it is exciting to watch this game.”
This is the first time amid the pandemic that crowd capacity has not been limited.
Earlier this year the India-England Test series was played with 50 per cent stadium capacity before a spike in cases forced the BCCI to organize ODIs behind closed doors.
,