Since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, no sports have been played with spectators but as per the recent news, the Indian Premier League 2021 will begin in the mid-week of April.
As per the latest news from the quarters of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is that the government has decided to allow entry of 50% fans in the stadium for IPL and other sporting events in the country including the England Tour of India, which will happen in February.
This news is much exciting for the fans as the 14th edition, Indian Premier League 2020 was held in UAE, behind the closed doors. As per the latest statement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Sports Ministry, 50 per cent attendance at the stadium has been permitted with the provision of a COVID-19 task-force is being set up by organizing committees and in the BCCI’s case IPL Governing Council.
In February, England will be visiting India where they will be playing 4 Tests, 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is and is likely to happen with 50% spectator attendance.
The IPL Governing Council and BCCI will have to follow the guidelines mentioned below by the ministry for the entry of spectators in the stadiums –
1) The spectators at any sporting event would be given entry in accordance with the guidelines issued by Ministry of Home Affairs vide its letter No. 40-3/2020-DM-I (A); dated 25th November 2020 [Para 9 clause (v}) or as amended from time to time.
2) For outdoor events, spectators will be allowed upto a maximum of 50% of the total capacity of the stadium.
3) CCTV monitoring should be planned properly for the events to detect over-crowding at entry & exit gates and at the seating arena.
Meanwhile, the Indian Government has given the permission for 50% attendance but it is also important to take permission from the local authorities and check the management and if the protocols are taken care of, and also hope that the effect of COVID-19 will be less by April-May.
