PCA: India vs Sri Lanka: 50 percent crowd allowed for Virat Kohli’s 100th Test in Mohali. Cricket News – Times of India

Chandigarh: Punjab Cricket Organization (PCA) has decided to open the gates at 50% capacity for spectators for the upcoming first Test between India and Sri Lanka, which will be Virat Kohli100th for India.
The state association had earlier announced a complete ban on spectators despite the decline in the cases of Covid-19 in these parts. However, the PCA took the decision after fans thronged the stadium for a glimpse of their favorite cricketers during the nets session on Tuesday.
“Considering all COVID-19 protocols, the PCA has received permission from the Board of Cricket in India (BCCI) to allow spectators at 50% capacity for the first Test. With the dwindling number of Covid-19 cases in the city, the PCA has also decided to open online sale of tickets for the game,” PCA treasurer RP Singla told TOI on Tuesday.

“Also, with elections being held in Punjab, we have to keep everything in mind in terms of security and safety of the crowd. We are also ensuring all possible steps to contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus,” he said.
The official further said that the decision was taken in view of the “feeling of fans eager to see Kohli” playing his 100th Test. For the third day in a row, many young fans waited for hours to catch a glimpse of their favorite cricketers.

The Board of Cricket in India (BCCI) also issued a statement, with secretary Jay Shah confirming the development.
“The decision to allow spectators to the ground is taken by the state cricket associations and, in the present circumstances, is based on various factors.
Shah said, “I have spoken to the PCA office bearers and they have confirmed that cricket fans will be able to witness the historic moment of Virat Kohli playing his 100th Test match.”

PCA is also planning to felicitate the star cricketer and is coordinating with the National Cricket Board on the same. Top BCCI officials are also expected to be present on the occasion.
“With respect to that (greetings), we are currently coordinating with the BCCI as the team is in a strict bio bubble, due to which there is a high probability that a physical honor will not be possible. So we are trying to find an alternative to give Kohli the epitome of our admiration,” Singla said.
He will become only the 12th Indian after former captain Sachin Tendulkar to achieve this feat. Rahul DravidVVS Laxman, Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, Sourav Ganguly, Ishant Sharma, Harbhajan Singh and Virender Sehwag. The second Test, the pink ball affair, will also be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru with 50% crowd.