Sri Lanka’s cricket fans will be able to return to stadiums for the second edition of the country’s Lanka Premier League, with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) allowing a 50% capacity.
The tournament started yesterday (Sunday) with Galle Gladiators taking on Jaffna Kings at the R.Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. Five teams are participating in the LPL this year.
In a statement, SLC said: “According to the recommendations of the Ministry of Health, 50% of the spectators who are allowed to enter the stadium will be allowed to enter the stadium to watch the matches.”
Fans that purchase tickets will have to show proof of double vaccination against Covid-19, with a minimum of two weeks passing since the second dose. Spectators were also treated to a “spectacular opening ceremony” for the opening of the league.
The current Test series between Sri Lanka and the West Indies is the first time fans were allowed to watch inside stadiums since the pandemic started last year.
Last week, Arjuna De Silva, head of SLC’s medical committee, said: “We have had discussions right along with the Ministry of Health, and they have agreed to give us 50% spectators. There is a new variant – Omicron – but that is immaterial, as we always follow the health guidelines.
“We are asking for spectators who have been double vaccinated for at least two weeks.”
De Silva also said there could be problems when moving venue, similar to the ones faced in the Indian Premier League, but this would be less likely as there are fewer teams involved.
“We’re confident we can keep the bubble secure,” he added.
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