BCCI – 5 Venue Policy : In the wake of a historic home series defeat, the conversation around India’s approach to Test match venues has been reignited. Former Indian captain and chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar recently advocated for implementing a “5 venue policy” for Test cricket in India, suggesting that consolidating Test matches to five designated centers could improve consistency and fan engagement. This isn’t a new idea, with former captain Virat Kohli voicing similar sentiments in 2019. But with the recent series loss, the timing may be ripe for BCCI to reconsider its venue strategy for Test cricket.
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Why a 5 Venue Policy?
India has historically rotated Test matches across various states, bringing red-ball cricket to fans across the country. However, this rotating policy has shown some drawbacks, especially as players struggle to adapt to unfamiliar conditions. Speaking about this, Vengsarkar highlighted that cricketing nations like England and Australia already implement a fixed venue policy, ensuring that Test matches are always played at select, well prepared stadiums.
Vengsarkar noted that fans in traditional cricket hubs like Mumbai turn up in large numbers, even for inconsequential games. “The attendance at the Wankhede Stadium was phenomenal, even for a match that had little riding on it,” he observed. He argues that Test cricket could benefit from being concentrated in core centers,namely, Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chennai, where fans show up in droves and players are better acclimated to the pitch conditions.
A Consistency Issue
For Test cricket, consistency in venue selection could enhance the team’s readiness, especially on home turf. At the moment, teams often play at Test venues they haven’t encountered in years. For instance, Bengaluru has hosted only five Tests since 2015, Mumbai four, and Pune three. This inconsistency makes it difficult for players to adjust to pitch conditions and impacts the quality of play, especially when compared to visiting teams who get more consistent experience at India’s premier grounds.
Former captain Virat Kohli, too, spoke on this in 2019, advocating for consistency in venue choice. Kohli said that with set Test centers, “teams coming to India should know the pitches they’re going to expect; these are the kind of crowds that will come to watch.”
Recent Defeats Bring Venue Policy into Focus
The push for a five-venue strategy has gained traction following India’s recent 0-3 home defeat to New Zealand, which raised concerns over pitch preparation and player readiness. Unlike white ball matches, Test cricket places a greater emphasis on adapting to local conditions, and a streamlined approach to venues could give Indian players a better advantage on their own turf.
Benefits for Fans and Players Alike
Beyond player acclimatization, this policy could also enhance fan engagement. Major stadiums like Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and Eden Gardens in Kolkata are known for their electric atmospheres. With dedicated Test venues, the BCCI could maximize fan turnout and create a more vibrant Test cricket experience for spectators.
Moreover, rotating venues could be reserved for T20 and One-Day Internationals, spreading these formats across the country while retaining a stable set of venues for the longest format.
While the five venue policy offers advantages, it also faces challenges. State cricket associations may push back, as rotating venues for Tests allows them to host prestigious matches. Nevertheless, if the BCCI prioritizes quality and consistency in Test cricket, a shift towards fixed Test venues could ultimately benefit both players and fans.
With Vengsarkar’s recent comments bringing the issue to the forefront again, it remains to be seen whether the BCCI will adopt this refined approach to bolster India’s performance and fan experience in Test cricket.
FAQs
What is the 5 venue policy for Test cricket?
It’s a proposal to hold Test matches at five main stadiums in India
Which cities might be chosen?
Likely Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chennai
