India-England Tests in Chennai to be played behind closed doors

The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association have confirmed no fans will be allowed to attend next month's matches after reports the BCCI were considering 50 per cent capacity

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India and England will play the first two Tests of their upcoming series behind closed doors.

MA Chidambaram Stadium was due to host the matches, part of the World Test Championship, between February 5-9 and 13-17.

The BCCI had hoped that matches would have 50 per cent capacity throughout the tour, despite Covid-19 continuing to be a major influence in the country.

To date, only the United States have recorded more cases with India having suffered more than 10 million infections.

As a result, the BCCI have confirmed to the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association that the Tests must be held without spectators.

"We have been instructed that crowds would not be allowed," secretary RS Ramasaamy said. "Not even the press would be allowed. That’s the situation now. We don’t know what the BCCI would decide in the future. As of now, all closed."

It remains to be seen what that means for the final two Tests of the series, or the five T20s and three one-day internationals.

The newly renovated 110,000 Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad is due to host the third and fourth Tests and the whole 20-over series.

It is hoped that the size of the ground, which has yet to host a match since being fully overhauled, would allow for significant social distancing.

Pune's Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium meanwhile will stage the three ODIs.

The BCCI are particularly eager to host fans ahead of the IPL, which organisers are eager to see return home in front of supporters after the 13th edition was played to empty stadia in the United Arab Emirates.