Low turnouts make BCCI consider smaller centers for Test matches
The Indian Cricket Board is mulling the idea of organising Test matches in smaller centers to promote the longest form of the game after seeing the poor response in major venues like Eden Gardens and New Delhi's Feroz Shah Kotla during the ongoing India-West Indies series.
The Indian Cricket Board is mulling the idea of organising Test matches in smaller centers to promote the longest form of the game after seeing the poor response in major venues like Eden Gardens and New Delhi's Feroz Shah Kotla during the ongoing India-West Indies series.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the second Test, BCCI's chief administrative officer, Prof Ratnakar Shetty on Tuesday said they were thinking of organising matches at non-Test venues.
"We are planning to bring Test matches to the non-Test venues. I think we will get more crowd by making this. We will discuss this in our next meeting," Shetty told reporters at Eden Gardens on Tuesday.
But he said they have to discuss the matter with the International Cricket Council as the ODI venues need to follow certain guidelines in order to host Test matches.
"Certain guidelines are followed for the organisation of Test matches. Not all the ODI venues have all the facilities required to host a Test. We have to discuss this with ICC."
BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla also expressed that the empty stands were a concern for the BCCI.
The second Test began on Monday with less than one thousand people in attendance, with the entire day's turnout improving marginally to 10,000 at a stadium, which has in the past witnessed one-lakh plus spectators.
Even on day 2, when India feasted on the bowlers with tons from VVS Laxman and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the numbers did not improve with just about 8,000 in attendance.
Even during the Kotla Test, a similar sight was witnessed.
"Everywhere it's the same. The Board is thinking strongly about it. We are also planning to encourage school children by distributing them free tickets," he said.
He said it was not feasible to have day-night Tests.
Indian batsman VVS Laxman said he was surprised to see the Eden empty.
"Definitely surprised at the number of spectators. Even during one-day, we always felt Kolkata is one place where you get a lot of support. I don't know the reason behind it.
"We have to find out the exact reason for the crowd not coming and think about a solution."