WICB to consider PCB night Test proposal

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – The West Indies Cricket Board are mulling over a proposal from the Pakistan Cricket Board, to play a Test under lights during the Caribbean side’s scheduled tour later this year.

West Indies are set to play two Tests, five One-Day Internationals and two Twenty20s against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates starting in October, and the PCB have proposed that one of the Tests be played as a day-night affair. CMC Sports understands the proposal will be under consideration when the WICB executive committee meets here this weekend.

This has been driven in part by the International Cricket Council’s recent call for member bodies to “embrace the innovation” of the day-night concept.

The PCB are hoping West Indies agree to the proposal as it would add a new dimension to the series which is expected to be otherwise played in front empty stands. In addition, the game would allow Pakistan important match practice with the pink ball, as they gear up for their historic ‘pink-ball’ Test against Australia in Brisbane next December.

The PCB are keen on reviving their cricket which has suffered from their inability to host matches, because of the volatile security situation in Pakistan.

Their offer to host their first game in seven years on Pakistani soil was rejected by the WICB earlier this month. Former Test captain, Misbah-ul-Haq, who is an advisor to the PCB’s cricket committee, said it was important Pakistan played a Test under lights before taking on Australia.

He said even if the West Indies night Test did not materialise, there were plans to play day-night fixtures during the Pakistan first class championship, in order to begin to familiarise players with the new concept.