The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has the hosting rights for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, slated to be held in UAE and Oman from October 17 to November 14.
The showpiece tournament was moved out of India considering the grim COVID-19 situation in the country earlier this year.
With less than three weeks to go for the T20 World Cup, BCCI along with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has sought permission to have a capacity crowd at the Dubai International Stadium on the night of the final.
According to an ANI report, the Indian board is keen to have 25,000 people watch the final of the marquee event and permission for the same has been sought from the UAE authorities.
"The BCCI and the ECB are keen to have a capacity crowd for the final. It would be an electric atmosphere if permission for the same is granted keeping all protocols in mind. The boards have sought permission from the authorities, keeping fingers crossed," a source in the know of the development told ANI.
Notably, the second phase of the IPL 2021 is currently being played in UAE with a limited crowd presence. As per the regulations, fans going to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium don't need to get a PCR test done 48 hours prior to entry into the stands, but will need double COVID-19 vaccination proof.
In Sharjah, a vaccination report is required and the fans also need to carry RT-PCR test results valid for no more than 48 hours prior to entering the venue. Moreover, the minimum age required for entry into the Sharjah Cricket Stadium is 16+ years.
For Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium, fans above 16 must carry vaccination proof as well as RT-PCR test results valid no more than 48 hours prior to entering the venue. Those in the 12-15 age bracket don't need vaccination proof but have to carry RT-PCR test reports and those below 12 must be accompanied by adults who are above 21.
Coming to the T20 World Cup, first round of the tournament will see the qualifying event taking place from October 17 to 23, where four of the eight teams will ensure their progression to the main event. A total of 8 teams have already qualified for the main round while 4 more will join them from the qualifiers, making it a total of 12.
The eight teams vying for a spot in the main round are – Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Netherlands, Scotland, Namibia, Oman, and Papua New Guinea.
For Round 1, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Netherlands and Namibia are part of Group A whilst Oman, PNG and Scotland will face Bangladesh in Group B.
The Super-12 stage will get underway on October 24 in the three venues of UAE – Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
(With ANI inputs)
