New Zealand tour of Pakistan 2021: Crowd allowed to watch Pakistan vs New Zealand matches in restricted capacity

Crowd allowed to watch PAK vs NZ matches: Cricket stadiums in Rawalpindi and Lahore have received a massive boost ahead of New Zealand series.

In what is a significant development for cricket fans in Pakistan, they will be allowed to watch the upcoming New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan live inside the stadiums after PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) have received the nod from NCOC (National Command and Operation Centre).

Fans must note that only “fully” vaccinated people will be allowed access inside the stadiums. With the first Pakistan vs New Zealand scheduled to be played on September 17, fans have more than a couple of weeks to get vaccinated to be able to watch live international matches.

Having said that, it is worth mentioning that only 25% crowd attendance will be allowed to ensure well-being of all the stakeholders. As a result, around 4,500 and 5,500 spectators will be able to buy tickets for matches to be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore respectively.

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While a three-match ODI series will be played between September 17 – September 21 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, it will be followed by a five-match T20I series slated to be played between September 25 – October 3 at the Gaddafi Stadium.

New Zealand, who are touring Pakistan for the first time since 2003, will then travel alongside Pakistan to the UAE for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2021.

Crowd allowed to watch Pakistan vs New Zealand matches

“Spectators are the essence of any sport event as they create an ambiance and atmosphere for the players to excel, perform and enjoy. In this background, we are grateful to the NCOC for allowing the PCB to invite 25 per cent crowds for the eight matches.

“I am sure following the NCOC decision, the unvaccinated cricket followers will expedite their vaccination process so that they can witness the first series on home soil between the two sides since 2003,” PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said in a statement.

New Zealand, who are currently in Bangladesh for a five-match T20I series, will land in Islamabad on September 11.

About the author

Dixit Bhargav

Born and brought up in Pathankot, Dixit Bhargav is an engineering and sports management graduate who works as a Cricket Editor at The SportsRush. Having written more than 10,000 articles across more than five years at TSR, his first cricketing memory dates back to 2002 when former India captain Sourav Ganguly had waved his jersey at the historic Lord’s balcony. What followed for an 8-year-old was an instant adulation for both Ganguly and the sport. The optimist in him is waiting for the day when Punjab Kings will win their maiden Indian Premier League title. When not watching cricket, he is mostly found in a cinema hall watching a Punjabi movie.

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