New Delhi | Jagran Sports Desk: The first ODI between India and South Africa scheduled to be played at Dharamsala on Thursday may be held in an empty stadium amid Coronavirus outbreak, said a report from IANS. A total of 60 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported so far in the country and the picturesque stadium could wear and empty look as Men in Blue and proteas fight it out in first of three-match ODI series.
Nearly 40 per cent of tickets at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium-- with a seating capital of 22,000-- remained unsold till Wednesday, organisers told IANS.
The officials said that in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus, cricket buffs, largely foreigners, are taking precautionary measures by restricting themselves from travelling and attending public gatherings, quoted IANS. Hardly two-three corporate boxes have been sold out this time," added an HPCA functionary.
Not just foreign nationals, even the corporate houses in India preferred to give the stadium a miss.
The stadium has 12 corporate boxes, each with a seating capacity of 20 seats. Each box costs around Rs 2 lakh per match.
Earlier on Tuesday, wrist spinner Yuzvendra Chahal had posted a photo of himself with a face mask before heading for the city.
As per weather forecast, rain could also play a spoilsport. In an attempt to prevent the rain, officials and local cricket fans offered their prayer at the Indrunag Temple dedicated to the rain god.
"Widespread rains and thundershowers might occur in the region between March 12 and 13 due to fresh western disturbance over north Pakistan and adjoining Jammu and Kashmir," said Manmohan Singh, Director of the meteorological office in Shimla.
Incidentally, the last international match at HPCA between India and South Africa (T20I) was washed out without a ball being bowled in September last year.
(with IANS inputs)
Posted By: James Kuanal
