India's first-ever day-night Test against Bangladesh in Kolkata from November 22 is expected to start at least an hour earlier than the usual 2.30pm (Indian time) start, Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) secretary Avishek Dalmiya has said.
The CAB is also trying its best to make it a full house in the 68,000-capacity stadium on all the five days by offering a daily ticket starting as low as Rs 50.
Dalmiya told reporters in Kolkata on Tuesday night that the CAB, which is hosting the Test, would seek the BCCI's clearance for a 1pm or 1.30pm start keeping in mind of the dew factor and the spectators convenience.
The day-Night Test at Eden Gardens will be played from November 22 to 26.
"One can expect an early start than the usual day/night encounters. It will not be a 2.30pm start. 1.30pm start would mean the match would get over by 8.30pm and the spectators will return home early," Dalmiya said adding a final clearance will come from the BCCI in consultation with the broadcasters.
"We will send the tickets for printing as we get the timing confirmation from BCCI and broadcasters. We are planning to bring in school children from districts and local schools and we don't want any inconvenience.
"Ticket denominations will be of Rs 50, 100, 150 on daily basis. We will try our best to pull in as many spectators as possible. We hope it will be a success," according to Dalmiya.
Unlike the traditional day-time Tests, the first break in the day-night Test will be for tea for 20 minutes followed by a dinner break of 40 minutes which means one-and-half session will be played under the lights.
Dalmiya said the CAB would leave no stone unturned in their bid to make the first-ever Day-Night Test between India and Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens a memorable one.
“It’s a huge development for sure. Eden has witnessed a lot of historic moments and this will be a new feather in the cap of Eden Gardens,” he said.
India cricketers Mohammad Shami and Wriddhiman Saha have had first-hand experience of day-night cricket with pink ball when Kolkata clubs Mohun Bagan and Bhowanipore played the CAB’s Super League final at Eden in 2016.
Dalmiya said the Indian cricket Board will draw experience from having organized that match, a brainchild of former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who was the then CAB President, while hosting the India-Bangladesh rubber.
