Men in uniform outnumber spectators on Day 1

As the second and last match of the India-England Test series got under way at the PCA Stadium amid an overcast sky and unprecedented security...

MOHALI TEST : PCA hopes for increased turnout on weekend

As the second and last match of the India-England Test series got under way at the PCA Stadium amid an overcast sky and unprecedented security, only a few hundreds were present in the stands to watch the day’s play. The low turnout reminded the PCA of the Australia Test in October, which too had witnessed empty stands.

Nearly 700 policemen and 200 commandos guarded the stadium as India made 179 for one wicket in 71 overs at the close of play.

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“We were to come in a group of seven, but many stayed back as they were apprehensive about the elaborate security arrangements. I believe most people will watch the match on television,” said Sandeep Mahajan, an engineering student. The spectators were subjected to stringent frisking and were not even allowed to carry cellphones inside the stadium.

With India making a slow start, the fans said those who did not turn up at the stadium missed little.“The overcast conditions resulted in India scoring slowly and fans nowadays want to see more action. The last time we came to the stadium was during the IPL. Today, things were a bit boring,” said Anurag Bali, a bank executive.

The PCA authorities said they hoped that more spectators would pour in on the next two days — Saturday and Sunday . “We expect more fans to see the match as the weekend starts tomorrow. Security arrangements have been adequate,” said G S Walia, treasurer, PCA.