Test cricket needed rejuvenation: Sourav Ganguly on Day/Night match

Architect of India's first-ever Day/Night Test, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly on Sunday said five-day cricket "needed rejuvenation" to revive interest in game's traditional format. India's last series against South Africa witnessed a poor turut but tickets for first three days of pink ball Test, beginning here on Friday, have already been sold out.

READ | Virat Kohli Likely To Smash Sourav Ganguly, Greg Chappell Records Against Bangladesh

Sourav Ganguly on test cricket

"That's way forward. Test cricket needed a rejuvenation," said Ganguly, who took onus to organise inaugural Day/Night Test in country after becoming Board president last month.

READ | Deepak Chahar Lauded By Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar On Twitter

"It happens all around world. Somewhere it had to start. India is biggest country in terms of cricket. I think that rejuvenation was important."

As Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president, Ganguly had successfully organised an India-Pakistan marquee World Twenty20 clash in 2016 at a short tice, after it was shifted out of Dharamsala. However, he said organising Day/Night Test is more challenging.

" challenge was to get people back into ground. An India-Pakistan match would anyways get filled anywhere in world. You just anunce it and crowd will be filled," former India skipper said.

READ | Rohit Sharma Congratulated By Sourav Ganguly For 100 T20I Appearances

"This was much more difficult and we mand to fill 65,000 on each of first three days. It feels more satisfying." Ganguly said India captain Virat Kohli would be happy to see a full house when he walks out to bat against Bangladesh. "He is a great player and he should be playing in front of packed house. He will be happy to see it full house when he walks out to bat on day one. You will love atmosphere at Eden so come and watch," Ganguly said while unveiling official pink Test mascots -- Pinku-Tinku -- at Eden Gardens. "You can't have greats of Indian cricket play in front of empty stands. And here you will have full house for first three days," he said.

READ | Anand-Carlsen Duo On Sourav Ganguly's Wishlist To Ring Eden Bell