Bangladesh Turns Down New Zealand's Offer to Play Day-Night Test
Updated - 01 Aug 2018, 07:01 PM
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), on Tuesday (July 31), categorically confirmed they would not play any Day-Night Test on their forthcoming tour of New Zealand.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC), in their press release, revealed their schedule for the upcoming season. It also includes a full-fledged series against the Tigers.
However, NZC confirmed that Bangladesh have turned down their offer to play the day-night Test.
“NZC had hoped to schedule the opening Bangladesh Test at Seddon Park as a Day-Night fixture but could not obtain agreement from the Bangladesh Cricket Board and was forced to revert to the traditional hours-of-play,” read the statement.
Anthony Crummy, the NZC COO, revealed that not having enough preparation made Bangladesh turn down the offer.
“They haven’t played a day-night test, nor have they had a lot of preparation in their own first-class cricket,” said Crummy.
“We respect that decision and I’m sure day-night cricket will continue,” the New Zealand official added.
And now, Bangladesh have also confirmed it. The BCB said that it took the decision on players and management’s insistence.
BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury said the Tigers’ packed schedule until February next year means the cricketers won’t get enough time to practise playing Tests under lights.
“We have had our reason to not participate in the day-night Test match against New Zealand. We first need to play the day-night matches in our first-class competitions. Due to the lack of time and packed schedule ahead of the national team, we will not be able to get enough time for preparation. And so denied of playing a day-night Test,” Nizamuddin told the media.
The national team, currently touring the Windies, will return next week from the Caribbeans. After a month’s gap, the Tigers will host Zimbabwe for three One-day Internationals and two Tests from October 16 to November 15.
From November 15, they will host the Windies for two Tests, three ODIs and as many T20Is. The series will end on December 22.
The players will then play in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) which will start on January 5 with the final taking place on February 8. They will then travel to New Zealand.
