Reports: PIL filed in Jharkhand HC for postponement of 2nd India- New Zealand T20I

In what can be called a major development, the second T20I between India and New Zealand, which is scheduled to be played at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Friday (November 19) has come under the scanner. A petition has been filed in the Jharkhand high court to postpone the fixture or prohibit the 100 percent allowance in the venue.

With the COVID-19 situation being pretty stable in India lately, the Board of Control for Cricket in India allowed full occupancy in venues after receiving a green signal from the government officials. However, Advocate Dheeraj Kumar isn’t happy with the decision and he wants the fixture to get rescheduled. In his Public Interest Litigation (PIL), has called for the postponement of the fixture, or allowing the contest to continue with half of the stadium’s capacity.

Advocate Dheeraj Kumar wants 50% occupancy in the stadium

Kumar has raised questions over the allowance given to BCCI to conduct games with 100 percent capacity amid the COVID-19 situation. He also pointed out the fact that all temples, courts, and other offices in the state have been running with 50% capacity. Highlighting all these factors, he requested the court to prohibit the use of the stands at 100% capacity.

It has to be noted that the Jharkhand government had initially granted permission for just 50% attendance at the stadium for this fixture. However, the decision was eventually overturned and it was announced that all the seats in the venue are available to be booked. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen how this case pans out.

Speaking of the series, India are 1-0 up in the three-match rubber, having won the opening game by five wickets at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. It was a close contest that went right down to the wire but the Men in Blue eventually walked away with an important win. The Kiwis had posted 164/6 while batting first.

India’s chase was smooth for the best part with Mumbai Indians duo Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav putting up a brilliant show. However, the sudden fall of wickets took the game to the very last over. The home team crossed the line with just a couple of deliveries to spare.