The state government directive on Friday that allowed stadiums to operate with 70 per cent capacity has come as a boost for the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).

The India-New Zealand T20I will be held at Eden Gardens on November 21 and the CAB can now rev up its preparations for their first international game since India’s maiden day-night pink-ball Test in November 2019 versus Bangladesh.

Such a directive means the Eden could have a turnout of 40,000-plus for next month’s T20I with around 5,000 to 10,000 tickets likely to be available for the public, sources said. “Now that the nod from the state government has been received, we are also hopeful that the BCCI too would accord its consent (for the 70 per cent capacity),” CAB president Avishek Dalmiya said.

The CAB’s apex council will be meeting next week to finalise the price of the tickets and other formalities.

The Eden was scheduled to host an India-South Africa ODI back in March last year, which had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The pitch and outfield-related work has been completed as the Eden is currently playing host to some matches of the Senior Women’s National One-day tournament.

“We’ve worked well in advance to keep the pitch and the outfield ready,” curator Sujan Mukherjee said.

“The wicket will have firm bounce and it promises good cricket for sure. We’ll also get a fair idea from the women’s matches,” Mukherjee added.