Remainder of England’s Twenty20 series in India to be played behind closed doors

The last three matches of England’s Twenty20 series against India will take place behind closed doors due to a spike in coronavirus cases in the Gujarat region.

The first two games of the series have taken place in front of bumper crowds at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, with gates topping 67,000 and 66,000.

Television pictures suggested precious little social distancing – despite the newly-constructed venue being able to hold over 120,000 at full capacity – and sporadic use of face masks.

Players from both sides have welcomed the return of big live attendances, with the hosts relishing the passionate support and England leg-spinner Adil Rashid suggesting the lure of silencing the crowd was spurring him on.

Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium held 67,000 and 66,000 spectators for the first two Twenty20 matches
Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium held 67,000 and 66,000 spectators for the first two Twenty20 matches (Aijaz Rahi/AP)

Dhanraj Nathwani, vice-president of the Gujarat Cricket Association, issued a press release which read: “Due to increasing numbers of corona cases, GCA has decided to organise remaining T20 international matches between India and England at Narendra Modi Stadium behind closed doors.

“The GBCA will refund the money to spectators who have purchased tickets.”

The three-match one-day international series, which concludes the tour, takes place in Pune and will be subject to different local administration rules.

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