When they host Bangladesh for a two-match series next month, India could play its first pink-ball, day-night Test. As per reports, the matter will be discussed by BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and India Captain Virat Kohli during their meeting today.
With audiences for the long-form shrinking rapidly, Ganguly is a strong advocate of day-night Tests. However, the final decision will be taken only after taking feedback from Kohli and the team management and the new BCCI president will not impose it on the team.
At Indore, the first Test against Bangladesh will be played from November 14, while the second Test will host by Kolkata from November 22. Right now, there is a 50 percent chance that one of those matches could be a day-night affair.
The Indian team management had its reservations about day-night Tests. BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary wanted the first Test at Rajkot to be a day-night game, last year when West Indies was touring India. However, the Committee of Administrators (CoA) voted it saying the players were reluctant.
Meanwhile, Ganguly had introduced pink-ball matches in local cricket, after taking charge of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).
Last week Ganguly had said before talking to the team management, this needs the approval of the BCCI members. He further added that he always believes that is the way to forward in Test cricket Games are being played before empty stands.
There is also a second thought that the Sourav Ganguly pink ball might not up to the mark. It has not received positive feedback from domestic players when it was used in the Duleep Trophy. Saba Karim – BCCI’s general manager for cricket operations has always maintained that there is a constant improvement of the cricket ball and the board works closely with the manufacturer.