Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, a lot of cricket matches had to be played behind closed doors. But, since the cases are declining in the UK, about 80% crowd capacity has been allowed for the third ODI between England and Pakistan at Edgbaston next month.
The third ODI will be the final match of the three-match series that is slated to begin from July 8 in Cardiff with the final fixture to be held at Edgbaston on 13 July.
Edgbaston will be able to accommodate around 19,000 fans, including under 16s, "in the stadium bowl and hospitality lounges without social distancing as part of the research study."
“It's fantastic for sport in the West Midlands that so many cricket fans will be able to enjoy another blockbuster fixture in England versus Pakistan at Edgbaston,” Stuart Cain, Warwickshire's chief executive said.
Earlier this month, in the second and final Test of the two-match Test series between England and New Zealand 70 percent capacity crowds (around 60,000 spectators) were permitted at Edgbaston.
“The recent Test match gave us a fantastic opportunity to build a new model for large-scale sporting events and I'm pleased to see elements of this first trial being carried forward for the Pakistan match,” Cain said.
“Technology played a big part in this and we will again focus on using this as a way of creating a safe environment whilst enhancing Edgbaston's reputation as one of the best atmospheres in world cricket,” he added.
As far as the spectators are concerned, all attendees above the age of 11 years will be required to show a negative COVID-19 lateral flow test result or proof of two vaccinations at least 14 days before the fixture to secure entry.
(With PTI Inputs)
