BCCI likely to allow 50 percent crowd attendance during India vs England Test series

The BCCI are reportedly considering the possibility of allowing 50 percent crowd attendance inside stadiums during India's upcoming four-match Test series against England.

While the first two Tests will be played in Chennai, the next two will be held at the renovated Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Fans are likely to be allowed to watch all four Tests inside the stadiums, with the first Test starting from 5th February.

#INDvENG #BCCI@BCCI likely to allow 50 percent crowd attendance for England TestsRead: https://t.co/MCjbg0pkQa pic.twitter.com/H2exkc12mt

— TOI Sports (@toisports) January 20, 2021

"As of now, we are likely to allow 50 per cent spectators for the four-Test matches. The BCCI is in talks with both state cricket associations (TNCA and GCA) and also state health authorities," a BCCI official informed PTI on conditions of anonymity.

However, if the COVID-19 cases in either Chennai or Ahmedabad spike, the BCCI will immediately revoke its decision.

"If you allow 50 percent crowd with all necessary precautions, then it will be an indicator if we can also allow spectators during IPL in India," the source further revealed.

No international cricket matches in India since January 2020

India to host an international cricket match for the first time since the ODI series against Australia in January 2020

The last time fans were allowed to witness an international cricket match inside a stadium in India was back in January 2020. The hosts were playing an ODI series against Australia at the time.

If fans are allowed inside stadiums, India will be the second cricket-playing nation after Australia to allow spectators inside stadiums after the COVID-19 outbreak.

England to name their squad for the first two Tests on Thursday

England are currently playing a two-match Test series in Sri Lanka. They will name their squad for the first two Tests in India on Thursday. Considering the workload of the players, England have decided against announcing their squad for the complete series beforehand.

Back to work 💪 #SLvENG pic.twitter.com/3hFu5tOIGf

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) January 20, 2021