Ian Chappell desires BCCI's participation in saving Test Cricket

Former Australian cricketer and cricket analyst/ commentator urged Indian Cricket to host Day-Night Test Cricket in order to save the future of the longest format of the game. He accused BCCI of lacking leadership due to the existing turmoil in the top sphere of the board. Chappell advised the Board that Day Night Test matches might turn into boon in the present scenario of the Board.

Chappell hoped for a Test Championship in the four-day matches between Thursday to Sunday, which would excite the viewership and also save the future of the game. However, citing the power of the Board, Chappell insisted that India actively participates in promoting Pink Ball cricket as nothing would be sanctioned through without their seal of approval.

“The timing would be perfect for India. They currently have a strong Test side consistently performing well. Test cricket in India needs resuscitating, as it does in most countries outside England and Australia,” commented Ian Chappell according to his column for Mid-Day.

With great power comes great responsibility: Ian Chappell

“With power comes leadership responsibilities and lately the BCCI has struggled to maintain a high standard. successful day-night Test experience would not only enhance the five-day game in India, it could also do wonders for the BCCI’s public relations image,” continued the former Australian captain.

If administrators still retain hopes of preserving Test cricket, then day-night games are one way of enhancing the nurturing process. Playing under lights, combined with a move to four-day games — Thursday to Sunday — to enhance the product for television, would be the ideal format for an exciting World Championship, which would inject much-needed life into the longer version,” envisioned Ian Chappell. “However, like most things in the game of cricket it won’t become a reality unless it gets the seal of approval from India,” concluded 73-year-old.