“Keeping the seriousness of the current spike in COVID cases in Maharashtra, after inputs from the Honourable Chief Minister, it was decided that permission will be granted for these matches without spectators,” the Maharashtra Cricket Association stated on Saturday.

COVID-19 cases have been on a rise in Maharashtra since past few weeks. However, Narvekar told Sunday mid-day that the decision not to allow spectators was taken as a precautionary measure. “Maharashtra has been cautious about crowd gathering. So, this decision is in line with that. It was important to not let go of the matches as Maharashtra is very much capable to conduct international cricket in these times as well,” Narvekar said.