Will continue to take Test cricket to smaller cities: BCCI

- 'We are thankful to the people of Indore for showing so much of enthusiasm for the Test match between India and New Zealand.'

Calling the India-New Zealand Test match at Indore a good experiment, Board of Control for Cricket in India president Anurag Thakur on Saturday said they will continue to take Test matches to smaller cities.

"We have taken an initiative to take Test matches to small cities. The decision to hold the same in Indore proved right. In future also, we will take it to such cities," Thakur said before the commencement of the third and the final Test.

The Holkar Stadium, which hosted its first Test match, became the 22nd venue in India to host the five-day match.

The BCCI chief also praised the efforts of Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) in conducting the Test match as crowds packed in to watch the third and final match of the series.

"MPCA has done a wonderful job," Thakur remarked.

"We are thankful to the people of Indore for showing so much of enthusiasm for the Test match between India and New Zealand," he said.

Last year, the BCCI had granted Test matches to cities like Indore, Pune, Rajkot, Vishakapatnam and Dharamsala with an aim to boost the popularity of Test cricket.

Image: BCCI president Anurag Thakur at the Holkar stadium in Indore

Photograph: BCCI