ICC endorses first class Test match played in ‘day and night’ format in Pakistan

KARACHI - Test matches in the ‘day and night’ format have moved a step closer to acceptance after the International Cricket Council (ICC) endorsed a trial first class Test match held under lights with a coloured ball in Pakistan.

“I don’t see any problems with the behaviour of the ball or playing under lights. This match would help us in our proposal to see test cricket under lights,” ICC General Manager for operations, Dave Richardson, told Geo TV.

Richardson watched part of the five-day Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final at the National Stadium between the country’s two top teams. The match was played under floodlights in a bid to attract crowds and raise the profile of Pakistan’s domestic cricket.

Pink balls have been used in trials in England, Australia and West Indies, as the traditional red ball is difficult to see properly under lights.

White balls are used successfully in one-day matches played in the ‘day and night’ format, but the players wear coloured clothing and black sightscreens are employed.

“The good thing is that this final has shown that it is possible to play first class and test matches in a day-night format with orange colour balls,” Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) director-general Javed Miandad told reporters at the National Stadium.

“But as far as the ICC is concerned it is up to them how they approach this new concept which can be done,” he added.

Miandad said the PCB would send its report to the ICC after going through the reports of the captains and match officials in this regard.

“The good thing is that on all five days we got no complaints from anyone about playing in this format being difficult,” he added. (ANI)