`Howzat': Vizag to host India-SA T20 match on June 14

Visakhapatnam: After two years, Vizag is all set to host India-South Africa T20 match on June 14 The match will be played at Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA stadium. "This will be the fourth T-20 match that will be held in Vizag city," said ACA Treasurer G. Gopinadh Reddy.

Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) members said Vizag stadium will see a full-capacity crowd of 27,251. A major part of the tickets would be sold online as well as at offline counters at the stadium. Gopinath Reddy said that the ticket rates will vary from Rs250 to Rs5,000, Gopinadh Reddy said. "For online sales, bids have been asked from various online platforms such as BookMyShow and Paytm and these will be finalized shortly," he said.

As per the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) norms, only 10 percent of the seats should be reserved for complimentary passes. The sale of tickets will begin at least two weeks before the match. ACA officials are expecting a houseful show, as this is going to be the first international cricket match in the city after the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials said COVID-19 protocols would be followed for players and officials.

Vizag has so far hosted three T-20s, 10- ODIs, two Test matches, and 10 IPL matches.

Commissioner of Police Ch. Srikanth said that over 1,100 policemen drawn from various wings will be deployed at the stadium during the match. "Anti-sabotage checks will be done at the stadium and the players' place of stay. We are also drawing up a fresh plan for parking and traffic management so that visitors are not inconvenienced. The police are also mulling following a staggered timing system to avoid traffic jams," he added.