If the idea of Pakistan playing against Sri Lanka in the day-night format materialises, it will be the first time in the history of international cricket that a Test will be played in such conditions. PHOTO: AFP
Prospects of holding day-night Test series increased as the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) proposal to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for the concept to be initiated during the forthcoming series in UAE, reportedly received a positive initial response.
Pakistan will host Sri Lanka for a full bilateral series during December 2013 and January 2014 that includes three Tests, five One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and two Twenty20s. The first Test starts in Dubai on December 31. The other two Tests will be held in Abu Dhabi (January 8-12) and Sharjah (January 16-20).
A PCB spokesperson confirmed the board’s desire to hold day-night matches during the home series.
“We have proposed the idea of playing day-night Tests,” confirmed Nadeem Sarwar to The Express Tribune. “The PCB is now awaiting a response from SLC.
“The time and weather would be ideal as there will be no dew and playing conditions will be okay too.”
The official believed that the plan could also see a raise in revenue.
“Studies conducted by us reveal that day-night Tests will generate more public interest and in turn more gate money. The sponsors are also interested as they get prime time viewing.”
Positive response from SLC
According to ESPNcricinfo, SLC President Jayantha Dharmadasa, in his immediate response, sent out a positive message regarding the idea.
“We shouldn’t say no if the only reason is that it doesn’t suit us,” Dharmadasa was quoted as saying. “In the past, we’ve had the 50-over cricket come into the game and then the Twenty20s. In the future it will be day-night Tests.
“I still have to talk to the cricket committee, selectors, and the cricketers, so we’ll see what comes out of those meetings.”
Although the International Cricket Council last year approved the idea of day-night matches, no country has tried the new format yet as the governing body left it to individual boards to decide when and how to experiment.
However in domestic circuits, various boards conducted the experiment at first class-level, while the PCB also made an attempt by holding a five-day final of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy in December 2011.
It may be recalled that cricketers who featured in the match gave mixed reactions, with many complaining about sighting issues. However, they believed that with proper studies, the idea to hold Tests under lights could flourish.
Former cricketers back idea
Former Test cricketer Tauseef Ahmed backed the PCB’s plan.
“A lot of changes are coming into the game,” said Tauseef. “There is no harm in experimenting as it can be a good innovation in international cricket.
“It may also do wonders from the marketing point of view as Tests are not making as much money as the Twenty20s or ODIs.”
Another former cricketer, Jalaluddin echoed Tauseef’s voice but stressed the PCB should go well prepared if day-night Tests become a possibility.
“It is a fair idea,” said Jalauddin. “But proper homework should be done so that the teams don’t counter issues relating to visibility and conditions.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 16th, 2013.
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