Pakistan hoping to host West Indies in day-night Test

Pakistan are hoping to play the West Indies at home in a day-night Test in October ahead of their pink-ball Test cricket match against Australia in December.

Their captain Misbah-ul-Haq also has said that they will be playing in domestic day-night matches to prepare for the event.

Pakistan have also sent a proposal to the West Indies for the Test, cricket.com.au reported on Tuesday.

If the offer is accepted, it would be a major boost to Pakistan, who generally play their home matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in front of empty stands.

"If you don't have match practice it will become difficult to play at Test level," Misbah, who is an advisor to the PCB's cricket committee said.

"It was one of the things discussed in the cricket committee's previous meeting. The bowlers are at advantage in the evening session and it becomes very difficult for batsmen under lights. That is one reason the cricketers from other countries are also reluctant to play Tests under lights.

"One more reason is the lack of match practice with the pink ball. The players have hardly played any cricket under these conditions at the domestic levels. They need more match practice before playing it at international level."

Misbah said that although he has concerns about batting under the lights he would still support the format as it is necessary for rejuvenating Test cricket.

"Although we as players have some concerns about playing under lights, especially the batsmen who have found it difficult to bat in the evening session with the pink ball, I think day-night Test cricket is (needed)," he said.

"There will be excitement among players but at the same time there will be some concerns too because Test cricket is already quite difficult and it will become even more difficult for the batsmen."

--IANS

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