By Neto Baptiste
Fully vaccinated spectators will be allowed to enter the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground on Friday to watch Antigua and Barbuda Benna Boys take on Grenada in Group A of their CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier.
This was approved by Cabinet earlier today, and overturned an original decision by the health officials for no fans to be allowed in the stands. The issue was however raised in Cabinet whose members “overwhelmingly” approved a request by the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA).
The original decision to bar even fully vaccinated fans from entering the venue sparked public debate over the past three days with most calling for it to be rescinded.
Antigua and Barbuda will take on Grenada in a high-stakes game slated to start at 4 pm on Friday at the premier venue, before flying to El Salvador where they will take on that country’s senior men’s national team.
Reports are that there will be some stipulations as to how many fans will be allowed and how entry into the venue will be handled. Further reports indicate that those cleared to enter the facility must still follow all the necessary protocols.
In December last year, fans were allowed to enter the said venue for the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association’s 10 Splash tournament, the first cricket competition held since March that same year.