PCB not to support any move to change Test cricket format

Karachi, June 14: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will not support any move to change the existing format of Test matches and reduce them to four-day fixtures.

The proposal to have four-day Tests has been floated by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and it could be deliberated upon when the International Cricket Council (ICC) holds its annual meet in London in last week of June.

PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan made it clear that if such a proposal was discussed, Pakistan would not support it.

"Our stance is clear that trying to have day and night Test matches is a good initiative as it does not change the traditional format. The beauty of Test cricket lies in five-day matches and if good pitches are prepared no reason why matches should finish early," he said.

The ECB has made the point that in recent times Test matches were finishing early causing financial losses to home boards and four-day Tests were more practical.

Khan said that PCB, however, was in support of having a division two Test matches as it would help globalise the sport and make Test cricket more competitive.

"Right now our priority lies in helping the Pakistan team prepare properly for its first day and night Test and in this regard captain Misbah-ul-Haq has also given us some constructive recommendations on how to use the pink ball," he said.

The PCB has decided to host a day and night Test against the West Indies in the UAE in October and will also play a day and night Test in Australia in December.

Khan said Pakistan supported having a proper Test championship. Asked about proposals to have the World T20 again in 2018, Khan said when the matter came up for discussion at the ICC meeting, Pakistan would present its arguments.

"Personally I have said before everyone needs to ensure people don't tire off T20 cricket," he said.

PTI