India is hesitant to host pink-ball Test matches due to concerns that these matches often end prematurely, according to BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. The reluctance stems from the fact that pink-ball Tests, which are played as day-night fixtures, have a tendency to conclude well before the scheduled five days, potentially affecting ticket sales and viewership.
Shah emphasized that the shorter duration of these matches can be a disadvantage for both fans and broadcasters, who expect the excitement and engagement of a full-length Test. The unpredictability of pink-ball conditions, particularly under lights, often leads to games ending early, which has made the Indian cricket board cautious about scheduling more of these fixtures on home soil.
While pink-ball Tests have been introduced to rejuvenate interest in the longer format of the game, their mixed results and shorter durations have led India to reconsider their frequency and impact on the traditional Test format.