Pink ball to be tested in Duleep Trophy by top cricketers: Anurag Thakur

BCCI president Anurag Thakur confirmed that the upcoming Duleep Trophy would be used as a dress rehearsal for the pink-ball Test matches scheduled to be played later this year. The Indians will host England and New Zealand with at least one match in each series expected to be played with a pink ball.

In spite of the new dimension to the game, the pink ball is still viewed with a certain amount of suspicion with the likes of South Africa reluctant to face Australia in a pink ball match. However, the BCCI have seemingly chosen the Duleep Trophy as the fixture that will be played for the first time under lights and with a pink ball.

The Duleep Trophy has lost some of its charms over the years with the viewership reciting a torrid tale about one of India’s most prestigious domestic tournaments. However, this tournament will feature most of India’s top players who will be looking to gather some experience from playing with the pink ball.

“All players will be playing Duleep Trophy; that is why we have gone for day-night domestic cricket for the first time. We want to know how the player feels, how the dew conditions will be. With top players playing we will get a good feedback,” Thakur said.

Thakur also added that the Duleep Trophy would allow the board to gauge the advantages and disadvantages of playing with the pink ball.

“We will come to know what advantages and disadvantages are of playing with a pink ball. Before jumping straight away in Tests cricket these top Indian players will be playing it in Duleep Trophy. We will make sure that top cricketers participate in Duleep Trophy.”

“Sixty players will be in the fray (assuming 15-men squad) and whoever performs might get a chance,” Pujara had said.

“We will make sure that contracted players will be participating whosoever, qualifies to play. Aisa nahi hai ke Pawan Negi khelega as he is contracted player. (It’s not as if Pawan Negi will play). Jis player ka banta hoga those players will have to play Duleep Trophy. These Duleep Trophy games will help players a lot especially with a long season ahead,” Thakur said.