Picture Credit: Twitter/@englandcricket
In a recent development, it is being learned that the government of the United Kingdom has extended its crowds pilot scheme for the Sri Lanka and Pakistan series scheduled to happen in England. This means that there will be more crowds than anticipated at some of the Three Lions’ international cricketing assignments.
Notably, it was understood that when the UK government extended its current COVID-19 protocols until July 19, the grounds would be allowed to accommodate only 25 percent of their capacities. However, it has now been clarified that several games will be included in the government’s research programme implying that the capacities will be raised to at least 50 per cent.
Increased crowd capacity in ODIs against Sri Lanka at Emirates Riverside, the Kia Oval and Bristol
Meanwhile, the games identified for increased capacity of crowds at present are Emirates Riverside, the Kia Oval and Bristol where Sri Lanka series is set to be played on June 29, July 1 and July 4 respectively. It is expected that the other venues will be added in this list in the near future.
“Summer is all about cricket and I'm delighted to be able to include England's upcoming ODI and IT20 series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in our pioneering Events Research Programme,” Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said as quoted in a ESPNCricinfo report.
“We will continue to do everything we can to get as many as possible back watching live sport and cultural events as safely and as quickly as possible,” he added.