IND Vs SA: Rest Of India-South Africa Cricket Series Likely To Be Played In Front Of Empty Stands

The sports ministry has issued an advisory that in case it's unavoidable to postpone a sporting event, then it is preferable that it be conducted without a large public gathering

Outlook Web Bureau

Updated on: 12 March 2020 5:45 pm

The remaining two One-Day International matches between India and South Africa are likely to be played in empty stadiums in Lucknow and Kolkata due to the dreaded novel coronavirus pandemic.

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The sports ministry has advised all the National Sports Federations, including the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), to "ensure that no public gathering takes place in any sporting event" in the country.

"There are many confusions amongst the athletes at this moment. Two Advisories are issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports for matches abroad and the domestic. There's no restrictions on playing but guidelines to be followed strictly in the larger interest of health," Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju wrote in his message.

There are many confusions amongst the athletes at this moment. Two Advisories are issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports for matches abroad and the domestic. There's no restrictions on playing but guidelines to be followed strictly in the larger interest of health. pic.twitter.com/RoohGcsOma
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) March 12, 2020

The series opener in Dharamsala on Thursday was abandoned due to rain.

The matches are scheduled to be held on March 15 (Lucknow) and March 18 (Kolkata).

"The BCCI is in receipt of the sports ministry's advisory. Obviously, if we are advised to avoid large gatherings, we will have to abide by it," a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.