The three-match one-day international series, scheduled to be played between India and England in Pune, has received the green signal from the Maharashtra state government. However, the matches, which are set to be played on March 23, 26 and 28, will be behind closed doors, owing to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the state. The decision was taken following a meeting of the Maharashtra Cricket Association President Vikas Kakatkar with the Mumbai Cricket Association's Governing Council chairman Milind Narvekar, Maharashtra's Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and the Tourism and Environment Minister Aditya Thackeray.
"Keeping the seriousness of the current spike in Covid cases in Maharashtra, after inputs from the Honourable Chief Minister, it was decided that permission will be granted for these matches without spectators," the Maharashtra Cricket Association stated in a release on Saturday (February 27).
"The Chief Minister requested the president of the Maharashtra Cricket Association to take all necessary precautions regarding players and other officials. With these, the uncertainty of holding the three One-Day Internationals has ended and the association can start preparatory works like obtaining various. permissions for smooth conduction of the matches. "The Indian and England contingent will head to Pune for the one-day series following the completion of the five T20Is, which are scheduled in Ahmedabad following the fourth Test between the two teams.
