IND vs ENG: ODI series to not be shifted out of Pune

India and England are currently fighting it out in the four-match Test series. After the first two matches were played in Chennai, the third Test took place at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad. The fourth and final match will also be played at the same venue which will also host the five-match T20I series.

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Both the teams will also face each other in three ODIs after the T20I series in Pune. However, the reports had emerged that the BCCI was thinking to shift the series out of Maharashtra after the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the state. Maharashtra has witnessed a significant rise in the COVID cases over the last few days with more than 8000 cases registered on Friday (February 26).

According to the reports in CricketNext, the ODI series in Pune will go ahead now as the Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray has given a go ahead. But no crowd will be allowed and the whole series will be played behind closed doors.

The first Test of the ongoing series was also played without crowds while 50% spectators were allowed for the second and third Tests. While the five-match T20I series between India and England is set to commence on March 12, the ODIs will commence on March 23 with the second and third match to be played on 26th and 28th. 

India are currently leading the four-match Test series by 2-1 and will have to make sure they don’t lose the last game to qualify for the World Test Championship final.