Can Pakistan host the Zimbabwe series with a live audience?

[MenInG]

If the government figures are to be believed, COVID-19 is on the decline in Pakistan.

That being the case, why not open the Zimbabwe series for a limited number of people?

Maybe a 1000-2000 people in the ground - check their temps - ask them to sit far apart etc - let it become a spectacle for the world to see, and also let the world know that Pakistan is open for business.

Will obviously need careful planning but it happened in Budapest during the Super Cup (https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54270055)

 

[angrypathan]

May cost more to organise than they'd be able to recoup from the sale of the tickets.

 

[MenInG]

May cost more to organise than they'd be able to recoup from the sale of the tickets.

As IPL has demonstrated - gate receipts are not an issue when it comes to making money.

The idea is to have a spectacle instead of annoying and made-up sound effects, also show the world that Pakistan is a viable place to have cricket in these times.

 

[JibranAnsari]

hopefully pakistan dont play their fkrst 11 against zimbabwe , usually these series are used to i prove the averages of the p!ayers.

Malik , hafeez and babar should sit out in the t20 series. Let the fringe players have a chance.

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

As IPL has demonstrated - gate receipts are not an issue when it comes to making money.

The idea is to have a spectacle instead of annoying and made-up sound effects, also show the world that Pakistan is a viable place to have cricket in these times.

I think it's a great idea. It should also be feasible enough to direct, space out and control 2000 people in either Pindi or Multan. It would hopefully act as a trial for the PSL finals

 

[Mamoon]

Only a complete fool would risk catching the virus just to watch Pakistan play Zimbabwe.

 

[pakistani pride]

Only a complete fool would risk catching the virus just to watch Pakistan play Zimbabwe.

Yes because outside the stadium all the tools are there for pakistani people to respect the so called rules regarding this killer virus.

In a country that has a daily death number of 8.000. Corona is a minor issue.

 

[Mamoon]

Yes because outside the stadium all the tools are there for pakistani people to respect the so called rules regarding this killer virus.

In a country that has a daily death number of 8.000. Corona is a minor issue.

It is unnecessary exposure. Just because you can catch the virus outside the stadium it doesn’t mean that you should watch a pointless match in a crowd.

 

[Sher Khan]

I originate from an urban city and so-called well developed city in Pakistan. Believe it or not, their are no COVID testing centres anywhere nearby. From what i have heard from relatives, etc. is that the covid situation is so bad that people develop fevers and coughs and in a few days pass away without diagnosis but the obvious sysmptoms.

So it makes me feel embarassed when people say Pakistan is largely Covid-free and we should have a live audience.

The figures need to be taken with a huge grain of salt. I'd say the actual number of cases would be more up and above the 1 million mark unfortunately.

 

[sweep_shot]

Will Zimbabwe and ICC agree to crowds? That's the question.

I think they should play without crowds for at least this whole year.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

Could have limited crowds like in football (Dutch league). Only sell limited tickets and only allow families to sit together. That shouldn't be much of an issue.

That would be a lot better than having nothing at all.

 

[hitthestump]

The Pakistani Govt is not a reliable source of Coronavirus figures.

The country also cannot cope with a second wave which makes the balance between that and have 1000 people at a cricket match incredibly lopsided in favour of not doing so.

Pakistani's don't take COVID seriously, so if figures are on the decrease the last thing we should be doing is having crowds at cricket matches until cases have been literally 0 for months.

 

[aloo paratha]

It's not worth the risk right now.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Nah don't get any crowds. Also ICC wouldn't allow it. Imagine if we got a case amongst the players or staff, there would be a huge uproar. Don't risk it.

 

[aloo paratha]

Hopefully the situation in January is good enough that we can host South Africa with crowds.

 

[shamaan]

hopefully pakistan dont play their fkrst 11 against zimbabwe , usually these series are used to i prove the averages of the p!ayers.

Malik , hafeez and babar should sit out in the t20 series. Let the fringe players have a chance.

I woulsnt mind babar playing as he is new to captincy

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Pretty sure the series will be held behind closed doors. It would be absolutely ludicrous if it is not.