Day-night games and pink balls in West Indies' first-class game

The first-class game in the West Indies is set to welcome radical innovations such as day-night matches and the use of pink balls to boost spectator interest. The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) will trial these innovations in its four-day tournament, which gets underway on January 8. Another feature is the hosting of an entire round in one territory to ease the logistical challenges in travelling arrangements.

"Spectator interest in regional matches has been declining in recent years and we are looking at different ways to organise our tournaments and ensure greater value for all our stakeholders, including players and spectators," Ernest Hilaire, the WICB's CEO, said.

"We at the WICB aim to bring the game back to the fans and we believe the new format of having day-night cricket in the four-day tournament will help to generate public interest and also be a winner with the players and officials."

Hilaire added that each of the seven teams will get to play at least one match under lights. He said data will be collected on the impact on players, spectators, match officials and spectators before the format comes under review.

"We will also be looking to utilise some of the wonderful facilities we have in the region as we seek to develop players who will be able to represent the people of the Caribbean at the highest level," Hilaire said.

The first round will begin in Jamaica from January 8-11 while the final round will be played at Windwards between February 26 and March 1.