"Indian Fans Are Not Interested In Day-Night Tests.."- Jay Shah

BCCI secretary Jay Shah has stated that the board is not inclined to host day-night Tests, which involve the use of a pink ball. This format was introduced to enhance the appeal and interest of the game among fans.

The first-ever day-night Test was played between Australia and New Zealand at the Adelaide Oval in 2015. India, on the other hand, hosted their first pink-ball Test in 2019 when they played against Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens.

In 2021, the BCCI conducted another day-night Test in Ahmedabad when India locked horns against England. It was followed by another day-night Test against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru in 2022. Since then, India have not played any day-night Test and it looks highly unlikely that they will play one any time soon.

Speaking to the media, Jay Shah disclosed that although the BCCI and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) deliberated on the prospect of a day-night Test during the upcoming five-match series between the two sides next year, they ultimately opted against it.

Fans not interested in day-night Tests: Jay Shah:

Jay Shah began by highlighting that day-night Tests are still not widely embraced by fans. He also emphasized that these Tests often conclude within just two or three days. The BCCI secretary stated that the board will have no issue hosting the pink-ball Tests once the fans are used to it.

“The fans are not interested, and we will have to increase their interest level in pink-ball Tests. The games are finished in two or three days instead of lasting for four to five days. Once the fans are used to it, we will go for day-night five-day games.

“Australia conducted it last time, and since then there has been no pink-ball Tests. We were in talks with the England Cricket Board, but we will do it gradually,” Jay Shah said.

Overall, India have played four day-night Tests so far and have won three of them while losing one in Australia.