India management raises daylight concerns; BCCI may review Ranchi slot
RANCHI: The fourth Test of the Border–Gavaskar Trophy 2027, provisionally scheduled to be played in Ranchi from 19 to 23 February, could be moved after the India team management reportedly expressed concerns about limited daylight during the winter months, according to a report.
The five-Test series between India and Australia is slated to run from 21 January to 3 March 2027, with matches proposed at Nagpur, Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi and Ahmedabad. The report said team officials have asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to examine whether Ranchi remains suitable for a Test in late February because early sunsets might reduce playing time.
“The team management has raised this issue with the BCCI that due to the early sunset in Ranchi during January-February, evening arrives prematurely. In such a situation, there could be a reduction in playing time during the Test match due to lack of lighting, and it might be difficult to complete the mandatory 90 overs per day.”
The concern centres on the Test format requirement that teams should endeavour to complete a minimum of 90 overs per day. Lost playing time because of earlier darkness in winter can affect match outcomes, especially in a high-stakes series against Australia.
Possible alternate venues and schedule considerations
The report named Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad and Rajkot as cities being discussed as potential replacements for Ranchi, though no official decision has been announced by the BCCI. Guwahati, which is also on the roster, is expected to keep its Test but its start time could be altered to accommodate daylight considerations.
- Series window: 21 January–3 March 2027
- Ranchi slot (proposed): 19–23 February 2027
- Reported alternate cities: Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, Rajkot
Local cricket administrators and stakeholders in Ranchi have not been quoted in the report, and the BCCI has not issued an official statement confirming any change. As of the report, the venue change remains under consideration and unconfirmed.
Schedule at a glance
| Match | City (proposed) | Dates (proposed) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Nagpur | 21 Jan – (dates not specified) |
| 2nd Test | Chennai | (dates not specified) |
| 3rd Test | Guwahati | (dates not specified) |
| 4th Test | Ranchi (proposed) | 19–23 Feb |
| 5th Test | Ahmedabad | (dates not specified) |
For Ranchi supporters and local organisers the potential shift carries practical implications: ticketing, logistics, hospitality bookings and local promotions would need adjustment if the BCCI opts to relocate the Test. Conversely, an alternate venue selection would shift the opportunity and economic activity to the host city chosen as replacement.
Cricket administrators typically weigh playing conditions, player welfare, daylight hours and broadcast scheduling when finalising venues and start times. In this instance, the reported safety valve under review is the amount of usable daylight in Ranchi during January and February evenings and the ability to complete scheduled play each day.
The Border–Gavaskar Trophy is one of the marquee bilateral Test series in world cricket, and any venue alteration will be closely watched by fans, broadcasters and the two boards. The report did not specify a timeline by which the BCCI must take a decision. Until the board confirms changes, the proposed schedule with Ranchi hosting the fourth Test remains the publicly reported plan.
Further announcements from the BCCI or match organisers will determine whether Ranchi will retain its Test slot or the match will be shifted to one of the cities under consideration.
