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In a big development, the West Indies cricket team is reportedly set to play a day-night pink ball Test match against Australia at the Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica in July. With the aforementioned venue already scheduled to host the third Test of the three-match series between West Indies and Australia, starting on July 12, the likelihood of it being a day-night contest involving a pink ball is quite high if the officials in the Caribbean are to be believed.
Notably, as per the exclusive report from Cricbuzz, they have received input about the news from multiple cricket authorities in the West Indies. As part of bringing the day-night pink ball Test match to Kingston, Jamaica, the Sabina Park is getting upgraded with installation of extra lights as two of the co-owners of the stadium, namely the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) and the Kingston Cricket Club (KCC) are putting in the majority of the work alongside Sabina Cricket Holdings.
Jamaica could host second day-night pink ball Test match in Caribbean this July
All the three parties have received assurance from the Sports Minister of Jamaica in regards to funding the project, to bring the day-night contest to the country. KCC head Daley Redcliffe was quoted as saying about the matter, “The Jamaica Cricket Association is best authorised to comment on this but I can confirm that a day/night match will be played in the summer.”
Meanwhile, the CEO of JCA, Courtney Francis said the following about the matter, “This Test match is significant and historic for the Jamaica Cricket Association and Jamaica. The Government of Jamaica, in partnership with the JCA and CWI (Cricket West Indies) has invested significant sums of money to upgrade the lights to meet all the International requirements. This coupled with a newly installed electronic scoreboard before said Test Match. At this time we are comfortable with the preparations and looking forward to hosting a successful Test match.”
Moreover, according to the Jamaican Sports Minister Olivia Grange, who spoke to Sportsmax website, the ministry is set to advance the funds to stage a day-night pink ball Test match through the Sports Development Foundation, while informing that these funds will be reimbursed by the Finance Minister of Jamaica.
