India-England Tests in Chennai to be played behind closed doors
Chennai: The first two Tests of the upcoming India-England series will be played at the M A Chidambaram Stadium behind closed doors, a top official from host association TNCA said on Friday.
According to Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) secretary R S Ramasaamy, the two Tests would be played without spectators as per a BCCI directive, considering the prevailing COVID-19 situation.
"Yes...crowd will not be allowed for the two Test matches as a preventive measure in view of the virus situation," he told PTI.
Also, a circular dated January 20 has been sent out to TNCA members saying that the decision to play the matches behind closed doors was taken along with the BCCI.
"In view of the prevailing COVID pandemic, the BCCI has decided not to take any kind of risk with the safety of the players during the forthcoming India-England Test series," the circular read.
"As per the BCCI directive, the first two Test matches between February 5 and February 17 being held at M A Chidambaram stadium will take place behind closed doors (No Spectators/Guests/Sub-Committee Members) as a preventive measure," it added.
The teams are expected to reach Chennai by January 27 and undergo testing before entering the bio-bubble.
It must be noted that the Indian government had recently announced that outdoor sporting events could be conducted with 50 per cent spectators after following the standard operating procedures.
The first Test is scheduled from February 5.
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Vitla police seize vehicle transporting cattle illegally
Vitla: Vitla Sub-inspector Ramakrishna has seized a vehicle that was allegedly transporting cattle illegally at Karai of Kolnadu village in Bantwal taluk. Two men in the vehicle, identified as Naveen and Chethan of Mandya, have reportedly been subjected to police questioning.
Police sources have said that the SI saw a vehicle transporting two cows and parked by the road. When he questioned the driver Naveen and Chethan, who were in the vehicle, about the cattle, he was told by the duo that the cows belonged to one Shankar, a resident of Channarayapatna. The men also told the SI that Shankar was supplying the cattle to a man in Salettur, identified as Shafi, allegedly for beef production.
Further, Naveen and Chethan confessed before the officer that they had gotten the cattle transport permit in others’ names, the sources have added.
