PCB confirms receiving day and night cricket Test proposal

Lahore, November  7- Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday confirmed that it has received a proposal from Cricket Australia (CA) to play a Test match under lights next summer.

Pakistan is due to tour Australia for a three-match Test series during the 2016-17 summer, while the first ever day-night Test match will be held in Adelaide against New Zealand later this month.

"We have received a proposal from Cricket Australia to play a day-night Test in the 2016-2017 series," PCB's chief operating officer Subhan Ahmed was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

"The matter has been referred to our cricket committee for consideration. In principle, the PCB is supportive of and inclined towards accepting and trying out innovative ideas and new technologies. And this includes the proposal of playing Test matches under lights."

CA did not confirm an offer to play a day-night Test had been made, with a spokesperson saying: "We’re in the very early stages of working through our 2016-17 home schedule. At this point, we aren’t in a position to comment on specific details."

The International Cricket Council (ICC) amended the playing conditions for Test cricket in 2012 to allow participating countries to decide whether they wished to play a day-night Test. 

The two boards determine the hours of play and the colour of the ball. The PCB has been in favour of day-night Test cricket in the past, proposing a Test under lights in Dubai when they hosted Sri Lanka in 2013-14.

However, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) declined the offer as its players did not have match practice with the pink ball. On Thursday, Pakistan completed a 2-0 series victory over England in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where the 15 days of cricket was largely played in front the empty stands.

PCB has been advised to look at hosting day-night Tests in the UAE, to enable fans to attend the match after work hours.

"We believe that in certain climates and seasons, Test cricket can and should be played under lights to enhance and revive waning spectator interest in this format of the game," Ahmed said.

(IANS)