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India’s 1st Test vs SA To Be Played Hehind Closed Doors: Report

Mumbai: The first Test between India and South Africa is likely to be played without spectators, a report has claimed. The tickets for the first and second Tests are yet to be made available for sale, it added.

Cricket South Africa is not selling tickets for this match in lieu of the ongoing crisis caused by the Omicron version of the coronavirus. While the government is currently allowing 2000 people for such events, the organizers are waiting for further announcements from the authorities. There has been a slight drop in the number of cases over the past week, but the situation is still quite volatile and has enforced a strict bio-bubble.

The Indian team entered the bio-bubble in Mumbai last week and arrived on 16 December. They are staying at Irene Lodge, which is booked by Cricket South Africa only for the touring party.

The amended rules allow infected players or staff members to complete isolation in the bio-bubble itself. Also, with close contacts not needing to isolate, the focus has been on close health surveillance for those players or members.

A similar case could be for the next match in Johannesburg, in which the Boxing Day Test has been pointed out to be played behind closed doors. Tickets for the second Test at The Wanderers are not for sale, the official Twitter handle of the stadium has confirmed.

“Please note, no announcement has been made regarding ticket sales for the upcoming Test match at the #ImperialWanderers Stadium between South Africa and India. At this point, it isn’t clear if fans will be allowed. We will make further announcements in due course.”

The tour was initially in jeopardy due to the emergence of the Omicron version. However, the BCCI decided to go ahead with the tour despite the revised itinerary. The assurance of a safe bio-bubble and the successful tour of India A’s Rainbow Nation favoured the green light for the tour.

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