India vs Bangladesh: Why Day-Night Tests can be a game changer for cricket in India
Indian loves the game of cricket. But it is also a huge business opportunity. The IPL is a prime example of that. It brought spectators to the ground with its mixture of cricket and entertainment. With T20 leagues gaining popularity, the number of fans coming to stadiums for red-ball cricket has reduced significantly. However, the first-ever pink-ball Test in India -- India vs Bangladesh, November 22-26 -- provides hope. But is that hope justified?
A Spectacular viewing experience
One of the reasons for the success of the IPL is the spectacular viewing experience. Pink-ball matches have done the same for Test cricket. The success of the first pink-ball Test in Australia indicates an improved viewing experience. An incredible 55,317 fans went to the Adelaide Oval for day one of the 2017 pink-ball Ashes Test, a number higher than the average attendance for the Strikers in the 2018 season of the Big Bash League.
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Excitement among fans
The excitement level among fans in India for Test matches in the pre-2000 era was immense. You can argue that cricket matches were not so frequent in those days. But fans have been reluctant to come to stadiums in the past decade and watch Test match cricket in India. However, the anticipation for the pink-ball Test is overwhelming. Tickets for the first four days of the match are already sold out.
Test matches run for five days and people don’t have time to watch a game for so long. It is a fact that everyone has to accept. However, with day-night Test matches, the scenario is different.
There has been success for pink-ball Tests in the countries that have hosted it. However, India, the modern Mecca of cricket, would be a big litmus test. If the D/N Test is a success in India, Test cricket will get a new lease of life. Otherwise, tougher times lie ahead, even with the World Test Championship.