The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai will be thronged with fans for the second Test match between India and England starting from February 13. It will be the first time since January 2020 that the fans will watch the Indian team live from the stadiums playing at home.
However, the experience this time will be a bit different with the crowd asked to wear masks and follow social distancing inside the stadium.
Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) got the permission to host 50% of the crowd capacity for the second Test match and they will open the I, J, and K stands for international cricket for the first time since 2012. Expecting a crowd of about 20,000 each day, the authorities have issued some guidelines for the people entering the stadiums.
IND v ENG 2021: TNCA confirms 50% crowd to be allowed in Chepauk for the second Test
TNCA said in a media release, "Conditions to be adhered by the spectators during the 2nd Test Match at MAC Stadium. Face mask, covering mouth and nose, is mandatory for entry into the stadium and maintain social distancing within the stadium premises at all times.
Persons showing any symptoms of COVID 19 like fever, cough, cold, etc will be denied entry into the stadium."
Team India's recent tour to Australia saw players like Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah amongst others being subjected to racial abuse from the fans inside the stadium. TNCA has put in strict rules about people abusing cricketers on the field and has asked them to refrain from any such activities.
The media release read, "Spectators are cautioned not to indulge or display anti-racist, religious or political activities, foul/abusive/unruly language inside the stadium, that could disturb the game and such persons will be dealt with in accordance to the law. Strict disciplinary action will be initiated by authorities against all persons violating covid & security protocols."
Some other items not permitted inside the stadium are bags, jholas, briefcases, radios, laser pointers, digital diaries, laptops, computers, tape recorders, recording devices, binoculars, remote-controlled devices, inflammable material, musical instruments, speakers, professional/video cameras among others.
Media has also been allowed for the second Test match in Chennai.
(With inputs from PTI)
