Board of Control for Cricket in India chief Anurag Thakur has ruled out pink-ball Tests for the rest of the Indian home season. There was widespread speculation over India hosting its first day/night Test over the next few months, which sees Virat Kohli's men battle it out against New Zealand, England, Australia and Bangladesh.

The pink ball was introduced in the Duleep Trophy for the first time in its history, and it proved to be a successful experiment. Thakur hinted at more domestic games played with the pink ball before it is implemented in international cricket. "It is too early to say anything. As far as trying it in Duleep Trophy under lights is concerned, it was a big success. But you need to look at overall picture before you take the final call. As of now, we are not ready to implement pink ball this season," Thakur was quoted as saying by PTI.

Advertisement

Thakur also disclosed the various apprehensions that have proved to be a stumbling block in pink-ball Tests not being implemented by the BCCI, which included the duration of the Tests.

The first pink-ball Test, which was between Australia and New Zealand last year, lasted for a little less than three days. "I think we need to take the final call after keeping a few things in mind. First, how to make it more interesting and result-oriented. If you have matches like the one in Kanpur, well done.

The 41-year-old BCCI chief also expressed concerns about the dwindling audiences in Test matches. "How do you involve more fans who come to the ground or watch it on TV? ...You really need to look into areas as to how [the pink ball] is impacting Test cricket at a time when enough people are not coming to watch Test cricket. What are the real reasons behind it?," Thakur said.