Cricket News

India not open to embrace Pink Ball Tests yet, Board secretary calls for more public interest

Cricket, as a sport has undergone constant evolution. In order to adapt to this changing landscape, the global governing body has implemented various adjustments and innovations. One of the most significant recent developments has been the introduction of pink-ball day-night Tests, a strategic move aimed at revitalize and safeguard the long-term health of this treasured format of the game. This transformative step reflects the commitment to ensure that Test cricket remains vibrant and relevant for the upcoming generations. The first pink ball test match was played in 2015. Since then, more than 20 such games have been conducted with Australia featuring in most of them.

While India, a cricketing powerhouse, boasts a commendable record in pink-ball Tests with three wins and one loss in four games, the Indian Cricket Board has shown reluctance towards scheduling them consistently. This apprehension was recently confirmed by BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who cited the need to cultivate greater public interest in the format. Shah emphasized that day-night Tests should ideally last the traditional 4-5 days, aligning with the public’s preference for longer matches. He also revealed that discussions with England for a pink-ball Test during their upcoming tour of India were ultimately unsuccessful. These statements suggest a cautious approach from the Board towards day-night Tests, prioritizing the format’s long-term viability and ensuring its alignment with fan preferences.

Everyone wants a Test match lasting four-five days: Jay Shah

“We will have to increase the amount of interest in the public for the pink-ball Test. If you recall, the (pink-ball) Tests ended in two-three days. Everyone wants to watch a Test match lasting four-five days. Once they get used to it, we will do more pink-ball Tests. Previously, it was in Australia, no one has done it since then. We were in talks with England, but we will do it gradually,” he said.

England’s board must have harbored some apprehension about the format as well, especially after their disastrous experience in India during the 2021 series. England suffered a humiliating defeat in 5 sessions, highlighting their struggle under the pink lights in Indian conditions. This memory likely lingers in the minds of the English players and management, contributing to their reluctance to embrace the format in India. India didn’t have a comfortable experience either. Furthermore, India’s most recent pink-ball Test against Sri Lanka didn’t last much longer, concluding within just three days.