IND vs WI: Spectators not allowed for T20I series despite government clearance, says Sourav Ganguly

The BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has said that the board is allowing spectators for the three-match T20I series against West Indies. 

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The BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has said that the board is not allowing spectators for the three-match T20I series against West Indies. The matches will be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Earlier this week, the Government of Bengal had given the allowance for 75 percent crowds inside the stadium.

The preceding ODI series was already supposed to be played behind closed doors at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This development may bring disappointment for the fans, who were waiting to witness the national team inside the stadium for the first time since March 2021.

Meanwhile, Ganguly has said that the only people allowed inside the stadium will be CAB officials and representatives of various units.

"Let me put this on record. We are not allowing spectators at the Eden Gardens for the three T20 Internationals. There will not be any tickets for general public. The only people allowed are CAB officials and representatives of the various units.

"In these times, we can't risk the health of the players by allowing spectators. No tickets for the stands of Life or Associate members will be issued. Obviously, we have the clearance of West Bengal government but BCCI doesn't want to risk the health safety of players," Sourav Ganguly was quoted as saying by the NDTV.

Believe Hardik Pandya will play some Ranji Trophy games: Sourav Ganguly

The former India skipper has added that he believes all-rounder Hardik Pandya will play some Ranji Trophy games to get some match practice ahead of the IPL.

'Hardik was injured and a break was given to him to completely recover, so that he can continue to serve Indian cricket for a long period of time. I believe I will see him play some Ranji Trophy to start with.

"I expect him to bowl a lot more overs and his body will get stronger. Also he is now captain of Ahmedabad IPL and that will be a platform where his form and fitness will be checked by selectors. Accordingly, they will take a call," Ganguly added.

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