Virat Kohli, who has arguably been India’s greatest test captain of all time, is due to play his 100th test match when India takes the field against Sri Lanka in Mohali in a few days’ time. It’s a special occasion, not just for Kohli, but for his fans as well.
However, BCCI has refused to allow crowd in the stadium for this special game. It’s a decision which has caught a lot of people by surprise. The Indian team is currently playing T20 internationals in Dharamshala and the crowd is allowed there and then the crowd will be allowed again in Bengaluru, where India has to play the second test match against Sri Lanka.
Virat Kohli fans are not able to understand why crowd is not allowed for the former Indian captain’s 100th test match when BCCI should have actually tried and found a way to ensure a 100% attendance of the spectators as it’s a special occasion.
Rather than ensuring a 100% attendance, the board has not allowed the spectators at all. The statement that has been released by Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) says that the spectators won’t be there because it’s BCCI’s directive.
Not having spectators for 100th test of Virat Kohli is a decision which is hard to understand
As far as the COVID cases are concerned, Punjab is dealing with them fairly well at the moment and it’s under control of the medical infrastructure of the state. The state government has not imposed any lockdown and there are no severe guidelines over public gathering either.
BCCI could have allowed a fraction of the stadium to be filled even with COVID precautions in mind. But, to play the game behind closed doors in the current circumstances and considering how big the occasion is, it is a bit hard to understand.
Only possible reason behind the decision might be the security. The assembly elections have recently taken place in Punjab amid high tensions across the political spectrum, which might be the reason BCCI would have made the decision, but the fans are clearly not happy with it.
Here is how the fans of Virat Kohli reacted on twitter after it was announced that no spectator will be in the stadium for Kohli’s 100th test match –
Punjab government is helpless as they received orders from 'BCCI' to organize Virat Kohli's 100th Test behind closed doors.
Crowd allowed in Kolkata, Dharamshala and Bengaluru but not Mohali. What a dirty politics BCCI is playing here! Shameful.
— Shivani Shukla 🏏 (@iShivani_Shukla) February 26, 2022
This is so unfair by BCCI. They should have allowed at lest 50% crowds in the 1st Test match at Mohali. Sometimes it all seems like a part of plan. 😐
— Aditya (@Adityakrsaha) February 26, 2022
Crowd allowed in Kolkata, Lucknow and Dharamshala but not in Mohali… BCCI should just ask him to retire instead being this cold 🤷🏾♂️ https://t.co/7W1McOv2UO
— SadhuMaharaj (@SadhuMaharaj16) February 26, 2022
Spectators in Rallies – 1 Lakhs
Spectators in Virat's hundred test match – 0
Shame on Indian Government can't even respect Greatest Ever Test Captain.
Humble request to MODI ji to say to BCCI and Punjab government to allow spectators in Mohali test
— Cricket 🏏 Lover (@CricCrazyV) February 26, 2022
Sachin Got his 200th Test well organized as per his wish in Mumbai!
Even Nehraji had his Swansong at Kotla amidst all the fanfare…
And here Unarguably Indias finest test captains plays his 100 the test at Mohali behind closed doors!
Not cool enough @BCCI
— Gagan Chawla (@toecrushrzzz) February 26, 2022
Shame of BCCI,worst board ever,they don't play cricket,they play politics.
First of all they scheduled Kohli's 100th test at Mohali,why not Delhi is home ground? And now they are not allowing crowds?You dont treat your best player like that @BCCI— * (@chasemasterr18) February 26, 2022
Changed venue from Banglore to Mohali jaha jhat bhar ka crowd aata hai aur waha pe crowd bhi allow nahi hoga dispite having the very less covid cases
Bcci literally ruined a golden test match— don't care virgin (@Flick_of_wrists) February 26, 2022
Why is that crowd is allowed everywhere but not in Mohali and too in Virat’s 100th test match, at least allow some crowd.#INDvSL #ViratKohli #KingKohli #BCCI
— Ravnoor kaur (@Ravnoorkaurr) February 26, 2022
Why not @BCCI shifted 100th Test of Most influential,Best and legendary Cricketer of planet earth to Bengaluru from Mohali and why not allowing crowd?
Unreal Jelousy man @SGanguly99
— tauseef🦇 (@pascal_ak_) February 26, 2022