When the fans are not around we don’t enjoy playing either: Rizwan

BIRMINGHAM: Cricket fans will be allowed back at Edgbaston cricket stadium for the Pakistan ODI match against hosts England on July 13 as part of the UK government’s Events Research Programme.

The stadium will operated at 80% capacity for the third and final ODI of the series meaning that around 19,000 fans will be accommodated in the ground which has a seating capacity of about 25,000.

During a video call with media at Derby’s Incora cricket ground, when asked about how he feels about having fans back in the stadium, the wicket keeper batsman of Pakistan team Mohammed Rizwan said that when the fans are not around we don’t enjoy playing either.

Referring to an earlier statement of Chairman PCB Ehsan Mani released after the PSL 6 final where he said that cricket is incomplete with fans in the ground, Rizwan said, “The support and noise the fans make in the stadium is necessary for us (players). Specially when the spirits are down during the game, that help us to raise it. So we always need fans support”.

Rizwan also lauded the support Pakistani teams gets in England.

“Fans of Pakistan cricket whether in Pakistan or England they are same. Outside Pakistan the strongest fan base we have is in England”, said Rizwan.

Meanwhile speaking to Geo News, Stuart Cain CEO of Warwickshire County Cricket club termed it a great news for fans who are looking for a great day of cricket.

“Fan’s safety is our first priority, we have to make sure that they are safe when they are here”, he added.

But before entering into the stadium everyone aged 11 or over will either have to present a negative lateral flow test report or proof of two vaccination via NHS app.

Talking about the other safety measures in place at the venue on the day, Stuart told that around 3,000 hand-sensitisers will be in place. Everyone will be asked to wear a mask if they are walking around and the queues at the toilets and bars will be minimised.

Fans will be able to order food via a smartphone app for click and collect or delivered to the seat so that they don’t have to stand in queues. Also the wait time technology will be used to show how busy certain areas in the stadiums are.

“We are doing everything we can from a technology point of view as well as from a hygiene point of view to make sure the stadium is safe and everyone has a good day out”.

Statuary also made it clear that in the stadium Social distancing rules will not be in place.

“What the government is trying to test is that whether having a lateral flow test or proof that you had double vaccination prevents any transmission when you’re inside a large ground”, Stuart added further.

The tickets for the Pakistan’s ODI against England at Edgbaston on 13th July were sold out before Christmas last year.

Those who have purchased tickets in advance but no longer wish to attend can request a refund. All such requests must be made before the deadline at 4pm on Thursday July 1.