Now Reading: Free entry for India Tests backed by Sri Lanka coach Kirsten
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Free entry for India Tests backed by Sri Lanka coach Kirsten
Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten has backed Sri Lanka Cricket's decision to offer free entry to selected stands during the two-match Test series against India, saying packed crowds boost the atmosphere…
The Story in Brief
Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten has backed Sri Lanka Cricket's decision to offer free entry to selected stands during the two-match Test series against India, saying packed crowds boost the atmosphere of the longest format. Sri Lanka Cricket announced free entry to the grass embankments at Galle International Cricket Stadium and Sinhalese Sports Club for the series starting August 15.
Kirsten, who coached India to the 2011 ODI World Cup title, said every Test-playing nation should play at least 10 Tests a year. He added that his goal is to help Sri Lanka become a top-four side in world cricket. The Assam Tribune reported his comments from a virtual interaction facilitated by Sony Sports Network.
The Indian Opinion
The feel-good quote from Gary Kirsten about free entry for Test cricket hides a harder truth. Sri Lanka Cricket is offering free grass-embankment seats, not entire stadiums, because empty stands have become normal for home Tests. The idea that every nation should play at least 10 Tests a year sounds noble, but the current FTP has India playing 15 while Sri Lanka gets seven, and no board is rushing to redistribute the money. Watch how many spectators actually fill those free stands at Galle and SSC it will tell us whether price is the real barrier or just disinterest.
Source: assamtribune.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
