Virat Kohli's 100th Test: Mohali to allow 50 percent crowd for 1st Test vs Sri Lanka

India vs Sri Lanka: The Punjab Cricket Association got the green signal from BCCI on Tuesday to allow fans up to 50 percent capacity of the PCA Stadium for Virat Kohli's 100th Test, staring March 4.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday gave the go-ahead to the Punjab Cricket Association to host the 1st Test between India and Sri Lanka with a 50 percent capacity at PCA Stadium. The BCCI's decision comes as welcome news for spectators who will have the opportunity to watch Virat Kohli's 100tth Test from the stands.

The BCCI has asked the PCA to make arrangements to allow fans up to 50 percent capacity of the PCA Stadium for Kohli's landmark Test. It remains to be seen when the ticket sales for the Test series opener will get underway, considering the imitation in time for printing match tickets. The PCA is likely to allow the online sale of tickets.

India will take on Sri Lanka in the first of the 2-Test series in Mohali from Friday, March 4.

Last week, PCA treasurer RP Singla told the PTI that fans will be barred from attending the first Test against Sri Lanka due to Covid-19. He added that the decision was taken in line with a directive from the BCCI.

The PCA, however, has put up billboards across the stadium to celebrate the momentous occasion. Singla had also told the agency that Virat Kohli would be felicitated by the state body's apex council either before or after the Test match in Mohali.

However, a section of fans expressed their disappointment at Kohli playing his 100th Test in front of empty stands in Mohali, questioning the BCCI's decision. While the T20I series against Sri Lanka was played with spectators in both Lucknow and Kolkata, the 2nd Test in Bengaluru will also have 50 percent capacity at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Legendary India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar said on Monday that it was disappointing to not have crowd at Virat Kohli's 100th Test.