Even as the BCCI is mulling allowing fans into stadiums for this year’s IPL, should it be held in India, Board president Sourav Ganguly confirmed that tickets for the Day-Night Test against England have been sold out.

The Test, the third of the series, which is finely balanced at 1-1, is to be played at the newly built Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad from February 24.

“Ahmedabad is totally sold out, the Day-Night Test match, because it’s the first game there after a long period of time,” Sourav told Star Sports.

“So happy to see normalcy back. It’ll be fantastic, it’s sold out. I speak to Jay (Shah) who’s very keen on these Test matches. Just for him also cricket is coming back to Ahmedabad after six-seven years because they built the new stadium, and I’ve told him we’ve set an example with the pink-ball Test (in November 2019) in Calcutta, so it cannot go beyond that and we want to see every seat and stand full. And that’s what it is… the tickets have gone, as well as for the T20Is.

“We wanted them (fans) back. We could have had them in the first Test in Chennai but we decided to go with the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, who said let’s see how it goes for the first one.”

There are also plans to allow spectators for the IPL, which the BCCI is hoping to host in India.

“This year is going to be big as well because of what it is,” the BCCI president said. “We’ll see whether we can get the crowd back into the IPL, it’s a decision we’ll have to take very shortly. But it’s going to be another great tournament.”

Sourav also backed the idea of having at least one pink-ball Test in every series at home.

“Absolutely. One Test a series is ideal. Every generation goes through changes, pink ball is one of the main changes for Test match cricket, and to keep Test match cricket alive,” he said. “I think Ahmedabad’s packed stadium in the next week will be another great sight for everyone.

“I know the Gujarat Cricket Association will add a bit more to the cricket, not just with the game but a lot of other things around the game. It’s going to be a great Test match for everyone.”

Sourav, who had recently been hospitalised twice, said he was “fit and fine” and back at work. “I’m feeling absolutely fine. Yes, there was a bit of scare but luckily it wasn’t as scary as everyone thought. I’m fit and fine and I’m back to work.”

He also didn’t forget to congratulate the side for the series win in Australia, which coincided with his illness.

“What they did in Australia gave all of us goosebumps. To watch that fight on the last day in Brisbane was remarkable.”