Xtra Time Web Desk: The much anticipated Pink Ball test between India and England at the Motera will be a full house, according to BCCI President Sourav Ganguly. The pink ball Test between India and England is slated to begin at the Motera, the world’s biggest cricket stadium, in Ahmedabad from February 24 and the authorities have decided to allow 50 per cent spectators.
“Ahmedabad is completely sold out. Happy to see normalcy back,” Ganguly told Star Sports in an interview.
“I spoke to Jay Shah and he’s very keen on these Test matches. Just for him also cricket is coming back to Ahmedabad after six-seven years because they built the new stadium,” former India captain said.
The fixture will be the second time India host a Day/Night Test. The first was played in Kolkata against Bangladesh in 2019.
“I have told him we have set an example with pink-ball Test last year in Kolkata, so it cannot go beyond that and we want to see every seat and stand full. And that’s what it is, the tickets have gone, as well as for the T20s which will follow the Tests,” Ganguly said.
The second Test between India and England in Chennai marked the return of spectators for an international match in India after COVID-19 outbreak forced a complete shutdown of sporting activity in March last year. The BCCI is also contemplating allowing spectators in the IPL, which is slated to begin in the second week of April.
“This year is going to be big as well because of what it is. We’ll see whether we can get the crowd back into the IPL, it’s a decision we’ll have to take very shortly. But it’s going to be another great tournament,” Ganguly said.
On the personal front, Ganguly, who underwent two rounds of angioplasty last month, said he is feeling ‘fit and fine.’
“I’m feeling absolutely fine. Yes, there was a bit of scare but luckily it wasn’t as scary as everyone thought. I’m fit and fine and I’m back to work.”