It will still not be a full house, but the roar is expected to be back at Eden Gardens on Sunday with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) allowing some spectators for the final T20I against West Indies.

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) had sought permission to allow spectators at all the upper tiers of the stadium alongside that of the Club House and the hospitality boxes for Sunday’s game. The BCCI has given its approval.

“This consent of the Board would help CAB meet its obligations to life, associate, annual and honorary members for the 20th February match,” read a statement from the association.

On Wednesday, the stands were silent as the first T20I of the year on Indian soil got underway.

During normal times, the roar usually begins soon after an eminent personality rings the Eden bell. On this occasion, just a few claps were all that followed after chief selector Chetan Sharma did the honours, with barely 2000 seats occupied at the permitted Club House upper tier and hospitality boxes.

Such an atmosphere, also expected for the second T20I on Friday, was very much reminiscent of the domestic matches the Eden hosts.

The CAB is relieved at getting the Board’s permission. “At least a bit of life could be added in the game if you have a bigger crowd,” said a senior CAB official.

The Eden didn’t wear such a deserted look even when it hosted matches featuring minnows Zimbabwe, Kenya, The Netherlands and Ireland during the group phase of the 2011 World Cup.

That the BCCI has considered the CAB’s request is another indication that spectators would be allowed in some capacity at least for India’s T20Is and Tests versus Sri Lanka. The T20I series begins on February 25 in Lucknow.