Twenty five percent crowd are allowed to watch the Pakistan-New Zealand series

The Pakistan Cricket Board has stated that they will allow viewers who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to attend the limited-overs home series against New Zealand.

The grounds will be full to 25% capacity. New Zealand will arrive in Islamabad on Sept. 11 with Rawalpindi hosting three ODIs before five T20Is in Lahore.

“Spectators are the essence of any sporting event as they create an ambiance and atmosphere for the players to excel, perform and enjoy,” PCB chief executive Wasim Khan said in a statement.

“We are grateful to the NCOC (National Command and Operation Centre) for allowing the PCB to invite 25 per cent crowds for the eight matches.”

The decision means around 4,500 spectators can watch the three-match ODI series at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Sept. 17, 19 and 21. It is New Zealand’s first tour to Pakistan since 2003.

Pakistan has reported about 1.16 million cases of COVID-19 with over 25,600 deaths, according to government data.

The Pindi Cricket Stadium will be able to welcome 4,500 spectators for the 50-overs format while the Gaddafi Stadium can have a crowd of around 5,500 for the T20 matches following approval from the National Command and Operations Centre, a military-run body that oversees Covid-19 operations in Pakistan.

International cricket returned to Pakistan in 2019 after opposing teams had refused to travel following a militant attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore in 2009 that killed six policemen and two civilians.

The country has since hosted South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.