Former Indian skipper MS Dhoni was expected to grace the historic India vs Bangladesh Test match by sharing his captaincy memories on the mic but that might not be the case now. As per a report in PTI, Dhoni will not be allowed to commentate during the match as this would result in Conflict of Interest issue. Dhoni is currently a contracted player of BCCI.
Even though it’s a part-time role, it is unlikely that the board will allow Dhoni to commentate. The very rule sees Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid stay away during IPL. There was a proposal to allow both the former players to commentate in IPL but it was rejected. As per the Lodha recommendations, one person can hold only one position in BCCI.
The update could disappoint many fans who were hoping to see Dhoni. Few may debate that likes of Harbhajan Singh, Parthiv Patel and others commentate even though they haven’t retired but they aren’t contracted by BCCI. They play IPL and domestic cricket.
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Dhoni may not be commentating during the game but he might be there at Eden Gardens to grace the occasion as former captains are expected to be present on day 1 of the Test. Cricket Association of Bengal has also invited the Prime Ministers of two countries.
Bangladesh’s PM Sheikh Hasina has also confirmed that she will be there at Eden Gardens. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to be present at Eden Gardens on day 1 of the Test.
It will be the first time that India and Bangladesh will play a day-night Test match with a pink ball. In past, both the teams have rejected offers to play a day-night fixture but this time, BCB accepted BCCI’s proposal.
Both the teams will not be playing any practice match before the Test and will prepare for the game by taking part in practice sessions that will be held with pink balls.