Fans may be allowed for India England Tests: Reports

If things go as planned crowds may return to cricket matches in India sooner than expected. Earlier reports had surfaced that the BCCI is exploring the possibility of having crowds in limited capacity for the third and fourth Tests, five Twenty20 Internationals in Ahmedabad and three ODIs in Pune

But now the board is considering opening the gates for crowd also for the second Test in Chennai.

"We have not received a formal communication in writing but we received a call from the BCCI today (Sunday) that we can explore the possibility of having crowds," Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) secretary S Ramasamy told Cricbuzz.

"We will meet and see if we can work out something. There is very little time between the first Test (February 5-9) and the second. We don't have vendors in place and we have also not printed tickets. We will see if it is possible at all," the TNCA official said.

Initially, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association had decided against hosting fans for the first two Tests and put out a statement regarding that.

Even the England and Wales Cricket Board seemed to have softened their stance from earlier when there were indications that they did not want the crowd for the Tests in Chennai. Last month during England tour of Sri Lanka, spectators were not allowed stadia.

"We were always comfortable (having crowds). We want to support BCCI's plans and protocols. We are collaborating and we are waiting to hear from them," Cricbuzz quoted an England team spokesperson.