NCOC allows 25% crowd for NZ series

Black Caps to arrive in Pakistan for 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is after 18 years

LAHORE:

 

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) approved 25% crowd attendance in stadiums during the upcoming cricket series against New Zealand, involving three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Monday.

New Zealand are arriving in Islamabad on September 11. The three ODIs will be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi between September 17 and 21, while the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host the five T20Is between September 25 and October 3.

According to the PCB announcement, around 4,500 fully vaccinated spectators will be able to attend the ODIs scheduled, while some 5,500 vaccinated spectators will be able to watch the T20Is in the stadiums. The fans will have to have the immunisation certificate for Covid-19 to get entry in the stadiums.

PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said the board was grateful to the NCOC for allowing 25% crowd for the eight matches. “Spectators are the essence of any sport event as they create an ambiance and atmosphere for the players to excel, perform and enjoy,” he said in a statement.

“I am sure following the NCOC decision, the unvaccinated cricket followers will expedite their vaccination process so that they can witness the first series on home soil between the two sides since 2003,” Waseem Khan added.

Following the NCOC decision, the PCB will shortly announce ticket prices and other details for New Zealand’s first tour to Pakistan in 18 years. The series will be an opportunity for the spectators to enjoy quality cricket in the season-opener.

The ODI series counts towards the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 qualification, while the T20Is will lead into the ICC T20 World Cup,” according to the PCB statement.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)