Dubai - As a precautionary measure no fans or media are allowed inside the stadium.
Published: Sun 27 Sep 2020, 12:00 AM
Last updated: Sun 27 Sep 2020, 6:29 PM
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The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League, the cricket festival, is being staged at three venues of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. As a precautionary measure no fans or media are allowed inside the stadium. And residents and fans feel that with the number of Covid-19 cases remaining high in the past few weeks, such steps are the right thing to take. But some followers of the game think that 30 per cent fan occupancy can be allowed into the venues by taking safety measures. They hope to do so from the semi-final stages as the situation improves by November.
FOR
IPL is a mega cricketing phenomenon, and the audience in the UAE will surely be thrilled, if given a chance to see these teams, live in action, at the stadiums. Fans love this fast and action packed T20 format, and would highly favour watching these matches in the stadiums. Having an audience, cheering and rooting for their teams, also contributes to the spirit of the game. Acknowledging my support to the 30-per cent stadium attendance, as fans and responsible citizens, we should follow all safety guidelines.
Zeeshan Tariq Siddiqui, Digital marketing specialist
I am not a follower of the sport but do get interested when it's the IPL. It's like watching a thriller movie with my friends. But it is best watched live from the stadium. As a Sharjah resident, this is a rare opportunity for my family to watch the franchises live in action at the historic stadium. Stadium managers can ask for Covid-19 test results with 48-hour validity, do temperature checks and residents can take all precautionary measures. Social distancing should not be an issue with 20 to 30 per cent attendance.
Shabna Nadeera Basheer, Accounts manager
I was a great follower of the game during my college days. I then got busy with my career and cricket took a back seat. But the IPL is one tournament, which brings out the fan in me. Even when I am running around to keep my business going amid this pandemic, I am eager to watch live cricket at a stadium. Those 3-4 hours at a stadium with excitement make you feel young but alive too. I have full trust in the health departments to provide us a safe and secure environment to watch matches from the stadium.
Azeez Puthenveettil, Company director
AGAINST
My suggestion is not to allow any fans inside the stadium. We are seeing the number of Covid-19 cases rising. It has crossed 1,000-mark. So this is the time to take extra precautions and not relax. For everyone's safety, the best thing to do for cricket fans to stay home and watch matches on TV or online, and contain the spread of the virus. Moreover, IPL is a long tournament running till November and if the Covid-19 situation improves next month, we can have 30 per cent fan attendance for the semi-finals and final.
Freddi Joseph Fernandes, General manager
At a time when the world is losing lives to Covid-19, the very sight of having crowds in one place is unthinkable. It's not just dangerous but could be disastrous. Remember the saying of 'one rotten apple.' I am a fan of the era of Sunil Gavaskar, Krishnamachari Srikkanth and Kapil Dev. But I understand that over the years, despite controversies and match-fixing issues, T20 has gained popularity, and fans are an important aspect of the game. But at the moment the show must go on with empty chairs at the stadium.
Sameer Yemmay, IT and media head
People cannot be allowed inside stadiums. There shouldn't be a talk on these lines. You see the local football season is postponed until October. But the Indian cricket tournament is held here, which is fine as they have a safe bubble system. But then no sport should have fans at the venues. This can lead to further spread of the pandemic. You see how the UFC will be held without any fans in Abu Dhabi. There's a reason for all these precautions. Covid-19 continues to pose a health hazard to our lives.
Shokry Hassan Algendy, Public relations manager
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