Two of this week's WPL matches in Navi Mumbai are being played behind closed doors, with no spectators allowed at the stadium to watch the games. Here's why.
Why are the WPL games being played without crowds?
The decision to stage two games behind closed doors was taken after police informed the BCCI that they would not be able to provide adequate security for the ground. There is a match taking place during municipal elections in Navi Mumbai on January 15, with the match on January 14 also affected.
A WPL statement confirmed that the spectators would be able to return for the matches at the stadium from January 16, and "all subsequent matches will be played with crowds in attendance.
The date of the election was only confirmed last month on December 15, while the schedule for the WPL was confirmed on November 29. Matches so far during the tournament have attracted significant crowds, with the opening match played in front of a near full house.
Which matches are effected?
The two games which will be played behind closed doors are Delhi Capitals v UP Warriorz on January 14, and Mumbai Indians v UP Warriorz on January 15. Both UP and DC lost their opening two games of the tournament, while Mumbai Indians have won two out of three.
The Navi Mumbai leg of the WPL will conclude with a double-header on January 17, with the tournament moving to Vadodara for the second half of the round-robin stage. The Eliminator and the Final will both be played in Vadodara for the first time. Scheduling for the tournament has been more complicated than in previous years for this edition, with the men's T20 World Cup set to begin on February 7.
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