Why Fans to be allowed for Virat Kohli's 100th Test in Mohali

The Board of Control for Cricket in India BCCI has allowed fans to come for Virat Kohli's hundredth Test match in Mohali in the first Test match against Sri Lanka which begins from 4th March onwards. Earlier, it had been decided that Virat Kohli's landmark Test would be played

Virat Kohli's landmark hundredth Test match will now be played in front of fans at the cricket stadium in Mohali. The swashbuckling batsmen's 100th Test match will be played against Sri Lanka from the 4th of March, 2022. Previously, the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) had announced that the Test match between two teams would be played behind closed doors due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Board of Control for Cricket in India BCCI secretary Jay Shah on Tuesday announced that cricket fans will be able to witness Virat Kohli's historic Test match in the stadium. In a statement, Jay Shah said, "The first Test between India and Sri Lanka to be played at the Punjab Cricket Stadium in Mohali will not be held behind closed doors". The decision to allow spectators into the ground is one taken by State Cricketing Associations and in present circumstances, is based on various factors. I have spoken with the PCA office bearers and they have confirmed that cricket fans will be able to witness the historic moment of Virat Kohli playing his 100th Test match."

Jay Shah further added, "I am really looking forward to Virat Kohli's 100th Test and wish our champion cricketer the very best. This is an occasion for our fans to savour. May he continue to represent the country in many more matches to come."

The Punjab Cricket Association also reaffirmed that Virat Kohli's 100th Test match will be played in front of fans in the stadium.

PCA treasurer RP Singla spoke to PTI on Tuesday and said, "The BCCI has told us to go ahead with 50 percent crowd during the upcoming Test match. BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal had called us and informed us that 50 percent crowd will be allowed and we are now making necessary arrangements".It is being reported that PCA has decided to felicity Virat kohli on his 100th Test match. first Test between India and Sri Lanka, which will be superstar batter Virat Kohli's landmark 100th match, beginning here on Friday, will be played in front of spectators, reversing an earlier decision to hold the game behind closed doors.

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah said in a statement on Tuesday that cricket fans will be able to witness the historic moment of Kohli playing his 100th Test match. Punjab Cricket Association confirmed that the Test match will be held at 50 per cent stadium capacity.

"The first Test between India and Sri Lanka to be played at the Punjab Cricket Stadium in Mohali will not be held behind closed doors," Shah said in the statement.

"The decision to allow spectators into the ground is one taken by State Cricketing Associations and in present circumstances, is based on various factors. I have spoken with the PCA office bearers and they have confirmed that cricket fans will be able to witness the historic moment of Virat Kohli playing his 100th Test match."

The BCCI Secretary said though the recent white-ball series against the West Indies was played behind closed doors, the dip in COVID-19 cases across the country allowed the hosting associations to permit crowds.

"Based on the advisories by the state health authorities, fans were able to witness the games in Kolkata and Dharamsala while UPCA had Lucknow T20I without crowds owing to polling a day before the match.

"I am really looking forward to Virat Kohli's 100th Test and wish our champion cricketer the very best. This is an occasion for our fans to savour. May he continue to represent the country in many more matches to come." PCA treasurer RP Singla told PTI that crowd would be allowed at 50 per cent capacity of the stadium during the Test match.

"The BCCI has told us to go ahead with 50 per cent crowd during the upcoming Test match. BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal had called us and informed that 50 per cent crowd will be allowed and we are now making necessary arrangements," Singla said.

Asked if the PCA can arrange for tickets at such a short notice, Singla said, "We are always prepared. In such a short period, we will release online tickets from tomorrow." Earlier, it was decided that Kohli's landmark Test would be held behind closed doors. It led to widespread criticism with many accusing the BCCI of not doing enough to celebrate the reigning superstar of Indian cricket.

Singla had said last week that spectators would not be allowed as per the directive of BCCI as there were still fresh COVID-19 cases emerging in and around Mohali.

The PCA had also decided to felicitate Kohli on his landmark achievement of playing 100 Tests. Kohli has scored 7962 runs from 99 Tests at an average of 50.39.