India to trial pink balls from Dukes in domestic cricket

In the lead up to possibly hosting a day-night Test in 2016, the BCCI is in talks with British ball manufacturer Dukes for a supply of pink balls.

Generally, cricket in India is played with the SG ball, and in the only floodlit Test so far - between Australia and New Zealand in 2015 - a pink Kookaburra was used. However, PTI has learnt that Sourav Ganguly, former India captain and the chairman of the BCCI technical committee, suggested exploring all options.

"Sourav feels that the Kookaburra seam could be a problem in Indian conditions," a BCCI office bearer said. "He suggested that we should also check out with Duke company, if they can manufacture pink balls with pronounced seam. We are expecting a consignment from Dukes.

"We are still deliberating on a lot of issues. The conditions, the ball used and its longevity. Also whether it is fair to have only one Test with pink ball and other two with red ball. Whether it will be fair on the two teams."

The pink Dukes had been used in the last edition of the Karnataka Premier League. But since that had been a T20 tournament, the BCCI top brass are looking for more data.

There is a possibility that BCCI will use pink balls from Kookaburra, Dukes and SG during the Duleep Trophy. The inter-zonal first-class tournament will feature senior Indian Test players from whom the board wants feedback regarding the change in ball and playing conditions.