England vs Pakistan: Edgbaston to host the third ODI with 80% capacity

In a refreshing move, 80% crowd capacity has been allowed for the third and final One Day International between England and Pakistan at Edgbaston next month as part of the UK Government’s Events Research Programme (ERP). Up to 19,000 spectators can watch the match including those under the age of 16 too. Interestingly, the crowds can watch the live-action without social distancing too.

However, the same cannot be said of the age bracket 11 or older as these kids would need to submit a negative COVID Lateral Flow Test or the proof of vaccinations 14 days prior to the third ODI if they wish to watch from the stadium.

During the recent Test series against New Zealand and also in ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final between India and New Zealand, 4000 people were allowed in England to watch the games from the stadium. Now with Pakistan set to play a limited-overs series against the hosts, this news will surely make the fans from both nations excited and happy.

“It’s fantastic for sport in the West Midlands that so many cricket fans will be able to enjoy another blockbuster fixture in England versus Pakistan at Edgbaston,” said Stuart Cain, Chief Executive of Warwickshire cricket as quoted by The Hindu.

Stuart Cain feels the recent Tests gave them the confidence to build a new model

Cain believes that the recent Test series with crowds coming into the stadium gave them the confidence to build a new model to try out more audience watching the game together rather than the moderate number which was the case during the Test series between England and New Zealand and in the WTC Final.

“The recent Test match gave us a fantastic opportunity to build a new model for large-scale sporting events and I’m pleased to see elements of this first trial being carried forward for the Pakistan match. Technology played a big part in this and we will again focus on using this as a way of creating a safe environment whilst enhancing Edgbaston’s reputation as one of the best atmospheres in world cricket,” Cain added.