India’s first-ever Day-Night Test against Bangladesh is expected to begin at least an hour early than the usual 2.30pm start, Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) secretary Avishek Dalmiya said in Kolkata on Tuesday. The CAB is also trying its best to make it a full house in the 68,000-capacity stadium on all the five days by offering a daily ticket starting as low as Rs 50.
Less than a week after becoming BCCI president, the Sourav Ganguly-led board on Tuesday made its biggest announcement when India and Bangladesh mutually agreed to play their first ever Day-Night Test at Eden Gardens from November 22 to 26, the second game of a two-match series.
Hosts CAB said they would seek BCCI’s clearance for a 1pm or 1.30pm start keeping in mind of the dew factor and the spectators convenience.
“One can expect an early start than the usual day/night encounters. It will not be a 2.30pm start. 1.30pm start would mean the match would get over by 8.30pm and the spectators will return home early,” CAB secretary Avishek Dalmiya said.
A final clearance will come from the BCCI in consultation with the broadcasters.