Day-night Test cricket has been gaining popularity across the globe but India’s reluctance to it has been a constant. There were reports in the Indian media that one of the two Tests against the Windies might be a day and night affair, but the Indian cricket board decided against it. Stressing on the fact that day-night Test cricket will increase viewership, former Test batsman Sanjay Manjrekar on Monday questioned the Indian board’s reluctance in embracing the idea.
“The only way to get more people to watch Test cricket, increase its viewership, popularity and thereby it’s quality is day-night Test matches,” said Manjrekar.
“Why aren’t we playing more day-night Test matches, when it’s a no-brainer that it will draw more viewership,” Manjrekar added.
“An offer was recently rejected by India – because the players are wary of it, wary of the pink ball, the dew factor etc.
“I always believed that conditions aren’t unfair if it is the same for both the sides.”
“Today’s Test cricket is played in front of empty stands and IPL in front of frenzied crowds of 50,000 plus and millions watching on TV.
“It’s about playing the IPL (Indian Premier League) at all cost, player injuries surface before and after the IPL. IPL offers you fame and money and who will say no to this?
“Also Test cricket is just too damn hard, so it’s no wonder that many are choosing T20 leagues over Test matches,” elaborated Manjrekar.
