Due to the changed conditions and protocols in the corona pandemic, fans were not allowed to sit in the stadiums to watch any sport events. But that is going to change on 13 February when the second Test match of the India vs England series would be under-way. The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) informed the general public about it through a press note. Since then, the fans have been very excited to s=witness the match from the stands.
In an interview with Star Sports, Virat Kohli said how playing in the stadium with fans a unique experience every time. “There will be a different feel to it, it will be a great thing for the fans as well,” Kohli said. Even ex-cricketer VVS Laxman looked excited with the return of fans in the stadium. He said, “Fans are the biggest stake-holders of the game.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 Tickets for general public for the Paytm 2nd Test Match between India and England at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai, will be sold ONLY ONLINE from 08.02.2021 (Monday), 10.00 a.m. onwards.<br><br>Details ➡️ <a href="https://www.paytm.com">https://t.co/Db3xIdPWmx</a><br><br>📸-BCCI<a href="https://www.insider.in">#TNCA</a> <a href="https://insider.in/paytm-test-series-2021-2nd-test-india-v-england-chennai/event">#INDvENG</a> <a >pic.twitter.com/Ji1oCCkCGU</a></p>— TNCA (@TNCACricket) <a >February 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Ticket sales began on Monday, 8 February online on www.paytm.com and www.insider.in as informed by the TNCA. The press-note read:
Tickets for general public will be sold only through online www.paytm.com & www.insider.in , Paytm App and Paytm Insider App from 08.02.2021 (Monday) 10.00 a.m. onwards. There are NO Counter/Box Office sales.
The daily ticket prices are ‘C, D, E’ Lower – Rs. 100/- , ‘D, E’ Upper – Rs. 150/-, ‘F, H, I, J, K’ Lower – Rs. 150/- ‘I,J,K’ Upper – Rs. 200/-
Direct link to the ticket-booking:
https://insider.in/paytm-test-series-2021-2nd-test-india-v-england-chennai/event
Officials said that all the Covid-19 protocols would be followed and there would be compulsory temperature checks at all the 17 entrances of the stadium. There would be one seat vacant between two spectators.
There was excitement on Twitter after this news broke out, see what the fans had to say:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">15 tickets. I Upper booked 😍😍😍😍<br><br>Podu 🔥🔥🔥🔥<a >@SriniMaama16</a> 🔥🔥 <a >@Paytm</a> <a >#INDvENG</a> <a >#Chennai</a> <a >#BCCI</a></p>— AK (@AjiAK25) <a >February 8, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a >@paytminsider</a> need price details of Pavilion Terrace Special Box Tickets and General Stand corporate bulk bookings for Paytm TEST Series 2021: 2nd Test India V England, Chennai Match, I sent mail, bt no response <a >@Paytm</a> <a >@vijayshekhar</a></p>— lokesh (@lokeshh_vikram) <a >February 9, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Guys I don't have tickets for the upcoming test match.. They are available online <a >https://t.co/OdbxUWI8VI</a></p>— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) <a >February 8, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">cannot able to book ticket in <a >#Paytm</a> insider.. is anyone facing the same issue?? or ticket is sold out for entire days..<a >#chennai</a> <a >#ticket</a> <a >#chepauk</a> <a >pic.twitter.com/yA0b6XZx54</a></p>— Kamal Devarajan (@KamalSDK) <a >February 8, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Although there were complaints by some fans that the tickets are not available on the website. At the moment, it looks like a technical glitch.
“The redemption of online tickets will be from 10.00 a.m. on 11.02.2021 at Booth No.3 located on Victoria Hostel Road. Wearing face mask and maintaining social distancing are mandatory during visit for redemption of tickets,” the note read at the end.