The decision has been taken in the wake of the COVID-19 cases in and around Mohali while also taking into account that most of the Indian players will be linking up with their respective IPL squads just after the end of the second Test in a bubble-to bubble transfer.
Mohali: The BCCI will not allow spectators for the first Test between India and Sri Lanka starting March 4 here, which coincidentally happens to be the 100th Test of great Virat Kohli, a Punjab Cricket Association official said.
The decision has been taken in view of the COVID-19 cases in and around Mohali, while also keeping in mind that most of the Indian players will join their respective IPL squads in a bubble after the end of the second Test - for bubble transfer.
PCA Senior Treasurer RP Singla told PTI on Saturday, "Yes, apart from those on duty for the Test match, we are not allowing any general spectators as per the instructions of the BCCI.
“Still new COVID cases are being reported in and around Mohali, so it is better that we take all the safety protocols. Obviously, the fans missed out because an international match is taking place in Mohali after almost three years,” said Singla.
However, the PCA is putting up hoardings across the stadium to celebrate the momentous occasion of Kohli's illustrious cricketing career.
“We will put up big hoardings and our PCA Apex Council has also decided to felicitate Virat. We will do it either at the beginning of the game or at the end as per the instructions of BCCI.