KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to create history by making this month’s Quaid-e-Azam division-I final a day-night affair here at the National Stadium (NSK).
The idea behind having the final played under the lights is to make the event more attractive for fans and sponsors. If the PCB goes ahead with the plans, it will be the first time that a first-class match will be played under floodlights in Pakistan.
There is a debate going on in the cricket world over the idea of holding Tests players under floodlights. Traditionalists oppose the idea but many believe that such a move will make the longer version of the game more attractive for fans.
The final, if it’s held under lights, will be played with orange or pink balls which could make a significant impact on the result of the match to begin from January 12.
Former Test captain Rashid Latif has welcomed the move.
“The board has made a good decision to provide entertainment to fans,” Rashid told ‘The News’ here on Wednesday.
“Such changes are necessary if we want to attract the public to follow our domestic cricket just like people follow in England or South Africa.
“It’s good to see that the board is thinking to host a day-night final but I believe from the next year the whole tournament should be played on the same theme as it can solve the problem of crowd pulling.”
He also revealed that last year he suggested the PCB to play the day-night first-class matches but then the board did not agree to the idea.
“Last year I proposed the board to host the trophy matches under lights. But, at that time Mr Sultan Rana declined the plan.
“I wanted Pakistan to become the first country ever to host first-class matches but the officials didn’t agree and then England became the first nation to do so.
“There are several grounds in Karachi I have been looking after which can host day-night affairs and I can challenge that we host them better than anyone.”
Former fast-bowler Jalaluddin has also supported the plan and believes that the change can be a breakthrough to revive the following of the longer version of the game.
“The idea is really good and if the test of playing under lights is successful then the PCB should conduct the four-day matches regularly on this theme.
“From fans point of view it’s great as they have not been able witness stars in action.
“Though, there would be one disadvantage that the players are not used to play four-day games under lights but the problem would be for both finalists so it balances the equation.”
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