The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah revealed why the Indian cricket team have not hosted any more day-night Test matches, with the last being against Sri Lanka at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in 2022.
In fact, none of the three day-night Tests that India have been involved in at home have lasted more than three days. On game even ended within just two days in Ahmedabad. The only time India have lost in a day-night Test was when the then Virat Kohli-led side were bundled out for 36, the lowest team total in 87 years, in Adelaide.
“No, there are no provisions. Pink-ball Tests get over within two days in India. As a result, spectators lose money, broadcasters lose money. We need to look at sentiments also. As a fan, you go to a cricket match and buy a ticket for five days, but the game gets over within two-three days. There is no refund. So, I am slightly emotional in this case,” Jay Shah was quoted as saying by TOI.
When asked India have also wrapped up day Tests in two days, Jay Shah said: “If the opposing team plays badly, what can I do? If our boys are playing well, I can’t tell them to let the game last longer.”
The BCCI secretary also reassured fans that the Indian men’s cricket team is ready for the upcoming Test series against Australia.
“Our team is already well prepared. We have rested Jasprit Bumrah for a while now. Mohammad Shami is expected to be fit too. This is an experienced Indian side now. Seniors like Rohit and Kohli are fit,” he said.
Jay Shah also echoed West Indies Cricket CEO Johnny Grave’s suggestion of financially weaker teams getting touring fees to play Test cricket.
“100%, there should be touring fees. I am a member of the F&CA (ICC Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee) and have suggested that there should be a dedicated fund for Tests, whether five million, 10 million or higher. It is expensive to host teams for five-day matches, so we are preparing for it. If the board agrees, we are ready to do that,” he said.
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