Remaining two ODIs of India-South Africa series likely to be played in empty stadiums

The outbreak of the novel Coronavirus has almost brought the entire world to a screeching halt. Sporting events are being cancelled and postponed in the wake of the pandemic that instilled a fear in the minds of each individual across the globe.

And, now the ongoing India-South Africa ODI series has also been plagued by the virus. After the first game in Dharamshala was washed out due to wet outfield, it can now be confirmed that the remaining two games will be played in empty stadiums.

The second ODI is set to take place at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Ekana Stadium in Lucknow while the third and final fixture will take place at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 15th and 18th respectively.

“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 was quoted as saying by Outlook.

A plethora of sporting events have fallen prey to Coronavirus

As far as cricket is concerned, the Bangladesh Cricket Board [BCB] has already cancelled the Asia XI vs World XI fixtures which were scheduled to held on March 18th and 21st to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the country’s founding father Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rahman.

The remaining games of the ongoing Road Safety World Series involving retired cricketers from India, South Africa, West Indies, Australia and Sri Lanka have also been cancelled in the wake of the alarming situation.

In-fact the viability of staging the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League is also under the scanner with the Health Ministry issuing new guidelines as far as the visa policy is concerned.

The CEO of the Chennai Super Kings has also said that in the wake of new guidelines issued by the Health Ministry, it is almost impossible for the foreign players to join their respective franchises.

“Most of the players are travelling with business visas and that is how they come and play in the IPL. So, it will be impossible for them to join the teams unless the BCCI gets special permission. As of now, it is not possible as the diktat is pretty clear and we cannot go against the government,” Kasi Viswanathan, CEO of the Chennai Super Kings was quoted as saying by India Today.