Published 21:00 IST, October 29th 2019
Sourav Ganguly thanks Kohli for cooperation to play 1st day-night test
BCCI President Sourav Ganguly on Tuesday thanked skipper Virat Kohli for his co-operation after BCB agreed to play day-night Test in the upcoming series
Former Indian cricket captain and BCCI President Sourav Ganguly on Tuesday, October 29, thanked Indian cricket team skipper Virat Kohli for his co-operation after Bangladesh Cricket Board agreed on BCCI's proposal to play a day-night test match in the upcoming series. India's first day-night test will be played from November 22 to November 26 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The BCCI president had earlier requested the BCB on late Sunday if they were keen to play under the lights as "it was high time that the two nations played the Day-Night version." BCB officials accepted the proposal on Tuesday after consulting its team management and players.
Beginning of something special: Ganguly
In a BCCI statement, Ganguly, said: “I’m pleased to announce that our long-term partner BCB has graciously agreed to play a Day-Night Test match. This is the beginning of something special in Indian cricket. It is a priority for the newly elected Office Bearers and members of Apex Council to take Indian cricket forward. For me, as former Captain of India and as the current President of BCCI, Test cricket is of utmost priority and we at BCCI will leave no stone unturned to bring this format back to its feet. I also thank India Captain Mr. Virat Kohli for his co-operation." "In this effort of ours, Day-Night Test cricket is a huge step forward and we believe it will bring back the crowd into stadiums and a whole lot of young children to the sport", he added.
Players not too keen for day-night test
India and Bangladesh are the only two Test-playing nations which are yet to play under the lights whereas most of the other Test-playing nations have already played under the lights. Interestingly, it was reported that the decision is not consensual or unanimous as there are still players in both camps who are not so keen on the new proposal but both parties agreed on a majority vote. Many in the Indian team, including coach Ravi Shastri, were not too keen initially to "experiment" but eventually agreed as captain Virat Kohli had "principally" agreed to BCCI president Sourav Ganguly's proposal when they met on the selection day. Ganguly was always in favour of hosting day-night cricket in India and it was in his topmost priority list.
Updated 21:40 IST, October 29th 2019