Cricket is back in India! 50 per cent of the seats at the MA Chidambaram Stadium would be allowed to be filled with spectators for the second Test between India and England starting February 13, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) said.

Earlier, TNCA had announced that 50 per cent occupancy will be allowed in the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

"In view of the government announcement that 50 per cent occupancy would be allowed in stadia, the TNCA will allow 50 per cent spectators for the second Test to be held between 13th and 17th February 2021," TNCA secretary RS Ramaswamy said in a statement.

"The first Test between India and England being held between 5th and 9th February 2021 will be played behind closed doors without spectators as a precautionary measure for COVID-19 situation. Further details will be communicated shortly," he added.

The Sports Ministry had permitted for stadia to filled upto 50 per cent of their seating capacity in outdoor events. The Centre also issued the Standard Operating Procedure for resumption of sports competitions in the country on December 26.

However, the cap on number of spectators permitted could vary according to guidelines of local administration and organisation where the event is being conducted.

Earlier, team members from the Indian and England contingent returned negative to COVID-19 tests and finished their quarantine periods ahead of the first Test.

The first two Tests of the four-match series between two nations will be played in Chennai. The third and final Tests will be held at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad.

(With inputs from IANS)