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Xtra Time Web Desk: The Day Night test match between India and Bangladesh at Eden Gardens from November 22 will be the first in the country. The second test match of the upcoming series will be the 540th test match on Indian soil. The Cricket Association of Bengal is leaving no stone unturned to make the first Pink Ball test a grand success. The CAB has taken a number of initiatives starting with invitation of high profile dignitaries which includes Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has already given her consent to be present at the iconic venue. The Bangladesh PM will arrive in the morning of the first day of the test match and will leave back the same evening. She is supposed to inaugurate the revamped state of the art indoor coaching centre.

The local association has also sent invitations to Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the confirmation for which is awaited. The association will be felicitating a number of sporting icons from the country including Olympians Abhinav Bindra, M C Mary Kom, P V Sindhu, Pullela Gopichand and Viswanathan Anand. Living legend and master blaster Sachin Tendulkar is also likely to be present during the test match.

The cricketers who played the first ever test match between the two countries in 2000 will also grace the occasion. There will be a cultural event after the first day’s play. Singers from both countries will perform live.

Noted Bangladesh singer Runa Laila and Bengal’s own Usha Uthup has already given their consent. Organisers are also trying to get famous Bollywood playback singer Shreya Ghoshal. Global Cancer Trust, a NGO which relentlessly work with the cancer patients will have their volunteers at the stadium. The association is also trying to have HIV affected kids involved in a fun game of cricket during the supper break, much like what happens in test playing nation like England and Australia.

Meanwhile the tickets for the match will have a pink flavor marking the occasion. The tickets will also have the logo of ICC World Test Championship along with the logo of the State Association. A specially minted gold coin will be released for the toss. The pricing of the tickets have been kept as low as INR 50, 100 & 150.

For the cricket crazy fans of Kolkata, Eden Gardens is gearing up to showcase to the world a fascinating Pink Day test match.