India vs SL Test series: Sunil Gavaskar talks about BCCI’s decision to hold Virat Kohli’s 100th Test behind closed doors

Sunil Gavaskar has spoken out on BCCI’s decision to hold Virat Kohli’s 100th Test behind closed doors, saying it was disappointing there would be no crowd in Mohali, but the board acted with great interest due to an increase in Covid-19 cases around the city.

Kohli will play his 100th Test when India takes on Sri Lanka at the PCA Stadium in Mohali on March 5. In spite of high expectations about the star batter’s milestone match, the decision not to have a crowd at the PCA Stadium has not gone over well with a section of cricket fans.

PCA treasurer RP Singla confirmed on Saturday that fans will not be allowed to watch the first Test against Sri Lanka at the iconic stadium in Mohali. Singla said the decision was made in accordance with an instruction from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

“It is disappointing that there will be no crowd for the 100th Test, but I think the decision has been made in the greater interest of the game. The incidents have increased in and around Mohali, where the match will be played,” Sunil Gavaskar told Sports Today.
Despite the recent decision not to allow fans to curb the risk of Covid-19 infection, fans have questioned it, citing that the current T20I series is being played in Dharamsala with spectators.

Ahmedabad did not allow crowds for the ODI series earlier this month, but the Eden Gardens in Kolkata had fans, albeit in a reduced capacity, for the final match of the series.
A 50 percent capacity has also been confirmed for the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, which will host the second test against Sri Lanka.