The first ODI of the three-match series between India and South Africa is expected to take place in an empty stadium due to the coronavirus scare. The latest reports suggest that there are Around 58 confirmed cases of coronavirus in India and the picturesque HPCA stadium in Dharamsala could wear an empty look as the two teams will be locking horns with each other on Thursday.
As per the reports of IANS, close to 40 percent of tickets of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium remained unsold till Wednesday. The HPCA officials said that in the wake of coronavirus outbreak, cricket buffs, largely foreigners, are taking all the required precautions by restricting themselves on traveling and attending public gatherings.
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Describing the same, an HPCA functionary said, “Hardly two-three corporate boxes have been sold out this time.” The picturesque stadium comprises of 12 corporate boxes, each having a seating capacity of 20 seats. Each box costs around ₹2,00,000 per match and they were much in demand in all the previous matches, both international and T20.
On Tuesday, leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal had posted a photo of himself with a face mask before heading for the city.
HPCA media-in charge Mohit Sood assured than he ground will be ready in less than two hours even if the rain gods play the spoilsport. He said, “The drainage system is effective to drain out rainwater. Also, we have water soaking machines and a lightweight plastic cover for covering the entire ground.”
But members of the hospitality industry have more worries from the weather advisory rather than the coronavirus outbreak.
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Talking about the same, owner of the McLio restaurant in McLeodganj, Pankaj Chadhasaid, “Seeing the response of the tourists during the Holi weekend, we expect a good arrival during the ODI too. We are keeping our fingers crossed. The last match between India and South Africa was washed out. If this happens again, this venue will be considered jinxed for the Proteas.”
For the players, the HPCA is providing accommodation in the Pavilion complex, which has 32 huts made of imported wood. The Pavilion, overlooking the stadium, is some three kilometers from the stadium.
