The third and final One Day International between India and England is likely to be shifted from Pune’s MCA Cricket Stadium to Mumbai's Wankhede stadium in order to facilitate the smooth departure of the tourists to the UK.
England’s white-ball leg tour of India comprises five T20Is – all are slated to play in Ahmedabad's Sardar Patel Stadium from March 12 to March 20 and three ODIs to be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium, Pune from March 23 to March 28.
Both teams have arrived in Ahmedabad to play the third Test from February 24 and the fourth Test starting March 4 of the ongoing four-match Test series which is currently tied 1-1. They will stay in Ahmedabad for the five T20Is before moving to Pune for the ODI series.
On Thursday, February 18, the MCA has revealed that there have been some discussions with the BCCI to shift the final ODI from Pune to Mumbai to facilitate the smooth departure.
The MCA said in a media release: “There has also been some discussion that one of the matches, (last match on the 28th) may be shifted to Mumbai, to facilitate the teams' departure from Mumbai to the UK, but the final decision in this regard is awaited.”
The state association is ready to host back-to-back three ODIs against England in Gahunje while a final decision on the percentage of spectators to allow for the series will be decided at a later date.
The release added: “As there are three matches that are planned, with back-to-back matches, the stadiums 3 main wickets, will find excellent use with each match being played on a fresh wicket.”
It concluded, “In the meantime, the association is leaving no stone unturned to provide the best facilities in terms of wickets, spectator arrangements, as well as making and following all final announcements that the state government will issue in this regard in connection to stadium capacity utilization and other safety and security measures.”
(With PTI Inputs)
