ECB to allow increased crowds in the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is hopeful of bringing life back to the game of cricket as they are working closely with the English government to increase the number of fans in the stadium. England is running the ‘Events Research Programme’ to slowly increase the number of fans allowed to watch the live matches.

ECB has been successful in including the upcoming three-match T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka in the British government test event. The limited-overs series between England and Sri Lanka will run from June 23 to July 4. After Sri Lanka, England is also due to host Pakistan for three One Day International followed by three T20 Internationals.

Speaking about the Sri Lanka series, culture secretary Oliver Dowden added that they are excited to add the limited-overs match against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in their pioneering Events Research Programme. “Summer is all about cricket and I’m delighted to be able to include England’s upcoming ODI and IT20 series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in our pioneering Events Research Programme.

“We will continue to do everything we can to get as many as possible back watching live sport and cultural events as safely and as quickly as possible,” Oliver said as quoted by ECB’s official website.

ECB releases an official statement

Though ECB is hoping to allow more spectators in the Pakistan series too, their main priority is the Sri Lanka series. Notably, the England cricket team has already been part of a match where a substantial number of audiences were present to watch the game live. More than 17,000 fans were allowed in daily for a Test match against New Zealand at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

ECB released an official statement regarding the same stating, “We are delighted to confirm that the ECB and our international venues are working with the Government’s Events Research Programme to increase capacities at the Royal London Series ODIs and Vitality IT20s against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in June and July. The Vitality IT20 against Sri Lanka at the Ageas Bowl on 26th June will not be part of this Programme and all matches in Wales are subject to separate discussion with the Welsh Government.”