T20 World Cup Final: BCCI & ECB seek permission for capacity crowd – As it stands, the T20 World Cup final in Dubai is set to be held with a minor presence of crowd, meaning it will lose the essence of the Euro 2020 final or the World Cup final. But both BCCI and Emirates Cricket Board are keen on changing that. The two boards have sought permission from the UAE authorities to conduct the final with a capacity crowd for the T20 World Cup Final on November 14 at the Dubai International Stadium.
While the ICC T20 World Cup is being held in Oman and UAE from October 17, the hosting rights are with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). And the BCCI along with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) are keen on having a capacity crowd unlike the IPL 2021.
T20 World Cup Final: As per an ANI report, BCCI and ECB are keen on having at least 25,000 people strong crowd for the final for the T20 World Cup final but the current UAE regulations limit that to 10% of stadium capacity.
“The BCCI and the ECB is keen to have capacity crowd for the final. It would be an electric atmosphere if permission for the same if granted keeping all protocols in mind. The boards have sought permission from the authorities, keeping fingers crossed,” a BCCI source told ANI.
The IPL has already seen a return of fans in the UAE with an eye on COVID-19 protocols. As per the regulations — also shared with the eight franchises — fans going to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium don’t need to get a PCR test done 48 hours prior to entry into the stands, but will need double COVID-19 vaccination proof.
T20 World Cup Final: Things are slightly different in Sharjah when it comes to the age of fans allowed entry into stadiums. The minimum age required for entry into the Sharjah Cricket Stadium is 16+ years. While a vaccination report is required, the fans also need to carry PCR test results valid for no more than 48 hours prior to entering the venue. A green status on the Al Hosn App is a must for those keen to watch the games.
At the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, once again, fans above 16 must carry vaccination proof as well as PCR test results valid no more than 48 hours prior to entering the venue. Those in the 12-15 age bracket don’t need vaccination proof but must carry PCR test report. Those below 12 must be accompanied by adults who are above 21.
T20 World Cup Final: Coming back to the showpiece event, while the Indian team will play its first game on October 24 against arch-rivals Pakistan, the tournament will begin with the Round 1 Group B encounter between hosts Oman and Papua New Guinea on October 17, with Scotland and Bangladesh, the other teams in Group B, clashing in the evening match.
The first semi-final will be held in Abu Dhabi on November 10. The second semi-final will be hosted by Dubai on November 11. Both semi-finals have reserve days. The marquee clash of the tournament will take place in Dubai on November 14, Sunday, with Monday acting as the reserve day for the final.
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