Kolkata: Iconic Eden Gardens is all set to add another feather in its cap. The second test between India and New Zealand starting from September 30 is supposed to be the 250th Test at home. In order to make the occasion special the Cricket Association of Bengal has lined up a host of events to make this a special occasion.
To start with, a Lord’s like bell will be rung to mark the beginning of the historic Test and the CAB also has plans to felicitate both the teams. “We just got a confirmation that this will be the 250th Test on Indian soil which makes it historic and special,” CAB joint-secretary Avishek Dalmiya said.
The toss will be done with a special coin commemorating the occasion. One side of the coin will have 501 Test depicted while the other side will have Eden Gardens 250th Test embossed on it.
The association is also planning to felicitate its two cricketers Wriddhiman Saha and Md Shami on the second day of the 250th Test. Both players are regulars in the longer format for the Indian team.
“This would be in addition to the felicitation which would be done to commemorate the 250th Test match on Indian soil,” Avishek said.
The association is contemplating to organise a talk show and is also planning to undertake a project called ‘Down Memory Lane’ capturing history of Indian cricket through pictures that will be exhibited for all five days of the Test match.
Keeping the milestone Test in mind, CAB also has joined hands with Lions’ Club to bring in 4000 underprivileged children from across the state to watch the opening day and they will be seen sporting a special uniform, he said.
With the match beginning on the Mahalaya, the first day of the 10-day long Durga Puja festival, the response for ticket sales has been lukewarm.
However, the CAB is not leaving any stone unturned to enhance the turnout which includes slashing the prices of the season tickets to Rs 1000, Rs 750 and Rs 500.
Further, the CAB has issued 16 free passes each to 44 schools that compete in their inter-school tournament.
The BlackCaps last played a Test at the Eden Gardens was way back in 1965. The test match ended in a draw.