BCCI is set to tweak the schedule for the national team’s limited-overs series against the West Indies, with the three ODIs and three T20Is reportedly set to be held only in Ahmedabad and Kolkata to limit both teams travel amid the rising coronavirus cases in the country.
As India approaches the pandemic’s much-feared third wave, the BCCI could limit the number of venues due to host the Windies ODIs and T20Is, looking to avoid any possibility of the virus entering the series’ bubble.
As per the original schedule, while ODIs for the series – part of the ICC Super League – are due to be held in Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kolkata on February 6, 9 and 12, respectively, the T20Is are to be played on February 15, 18 and 20 in Cuttack, Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram.
But according to a report in The New Indian Express, Ahmedabad and Kolkata could be the only two venues hosting the white-ball series as the onset of the third wave leads to a tweak in the itinerary. It is likely that Ahmedabad could host the T20Is after West Indies’ trip kicks-off with the ODIs in Kolkata.
The newly launched stadium in Ahmedabad has been one of BCCI’s preferred venues since international cricket’s return to India after the halt due to the pandemic. The giant venue hosted two Tests and five T20Is against England last year. It was also due to host a major portion of the IPL 2021 matches before the tournament was called off and shifted to UAE.
With the pandemic firming its grip again in other major centres such as Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai, the BCCI pondered over hosting a set of home fixtures in Lucknow as well. However, the UP assembly elections ruled out that option.
The BCCI hasn’t taken a decision on whether it would allow the spectators to visit the stadiums for the remainder of India’s home season. But chances are high that there won’t be full crowds.
“There is still time for that. But even if crowds are allowed, it won’t be at full capacity. The chances are it will mostly be played behind closed doors,”
a BCCI official close to the matter was quoted as saying in The New Indian Express report.
