India vs England Tests in Chennai to be played behind closed doors, confirms TNCA secretary

Chennai: The first two Tests of the upcoming India-England series will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium behind closed doors, a top official from host association TNCA said on Friday. According to Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) secretary RS Ramasaamy, the two Tests would be played without spectators as per a BCCI directive, considering the prevailing COVID-19 situation. “Yes…crowd will not be allowed for the two Test matches as a preventive measure in view of the virus situation,” he told PTI. [caption id=“attachment_9230951” align=“alignnone” width=“640”]  File image of MA Chidambaram Stadium. Image Courtesy: Twitter @ChennaiIPL[/caption] Also, a circular dated 20 January has been sent out to TNCA members saying that the decision to play the matches behind closed doors was taken along with the BCCI. “In view of the prevailing COVID pandemic, the BCCI has decided not to take any kind of risk with the safety of the players during the forthcoming India-England Test series,” the circular read. “As per the BCCI directive, the first two Test matches between February 5 and February 17 being held at M A Chidambaram stadium will take place behind closed doors (No Spectators/Guests/Sub-Committee Members) as a preventive measure,” it added. The teams are expected to reach Chennai by 27 January and undergo testing before entering the bio-bubble. It must be noted that the Indian government had recently announced that outdoor sporting events could be conducted with 50 percent spectators after following the standard operating procedures. The first Test is scheduled from 5 February.