The Sports Ministry of India on Sunday issued a statement stating that the sporting events in the country will finally see the spectators back. This development takes place days after the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines has been finally assured in the coming month.
This means that cricket, one of the most followed sports in the country, may also witness the changes in the rules when international cricket returns in India. As per the latest Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), up to 50% of the audience may be allowed at the sporting venues in the coming months.
“Competitions should be conducted strictly in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)”, the Sports Ministry said in a statement.
However, the organizers will have to abide by the new COVID-19 rules prescribed by the government after the implementation of the new SOP.
This implies that the upcoming home series between India and England will most likely witness up to 50% spectators in the stadiums early next year.
“The spectators at the sporting event would be in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. For outdoor events, spectators will be allowed up to 50%of the total capacity of the stadium,” it read.
“CCTV monitoring may be planned for larger events to detect over-crowding at entry and exit gates and seating areas.”
A special COVID-19 Task Force will be allotted to every sporting event to assure the smooth flow of the event under the new regulations.
The final decision about involving the crowd at the stadiums still lies in the hands of the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI)
Earlier this month, the BCCI had announced the complete schedule of the India vs England series slated, to begin with, the Test series from February 5. The series will also comprise of Day-night Test at the newly built Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad.
