KEY POINTS:
Auckland could be struck off the international cricket calendar next season - and if they do host one-day internationals against the West Indies and India, they will be accompanied by the sounds of silence.
The Herald on Sunday has learnt that New Zealand Cricket has been asked not
to schedule day-night ODIs at the creaking park next season.
With that being unlikely due to existing broadcasting contracts, NZC will either have to structure their itinerary to avoid Auckland, or play matches without the usual entertainment razzmatazz, including music between overs.
It has become a critical issue because the removal of the South Stand and possibly the Eastern Terraces will allow noise and light to spill into the streets inhabited by some of the country's most litigious residents.
While the mute button might be music to the ears of purists, one-day and in particular Twenty20 cricket is marketed as an entertainment package, not purely a sporting contest.
Auckland Cricket chief executive Andrew Eade acknowledged it was unlikely they could schedule a Twenty20 match at the park next summer but there was ongoing debate with NZC as to "whether it was possible to have a one-day international without music".
Eade said stakeholders were "hopeful of finding a solution" and they were meeting with Fletcher's this week to discuss lighting options that would work for both rugby and cricket.
NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan said the issue had reached a critical point because they wanted to have their itineraries finalised shortly.
"We understand the need for redevelopment in advance of the Rugby World Cup. Yes, we want to play games in Auckland but we don't want to put on a substandard show," Vaughan said.
"Twenty20 relies a lot on the entertainment around the event. That's what people are paying the ticket price for.
"If we've got restrictions that mean we have to play day games, or have restrictions on the music, we've got to think carefully about what games we can schedule at Eden Park."
With inbound tours by India and the West Indies, it promises to be another huge season for NZC, following what should be a lucrative England tour this season.
Under normal circumstances, it would be commercial suicide to leave Auckland off the calendar, as it is able to attract the biggest crowds, turnover through corporate boxes and is home to many of its sponsors.
However, the uncertainty surrounding the redevelopment of Eden Park is threatening massive upheaval to NZC's itinerary next season.
Vaughan has already signed off on a $50 million broadcasting contract with Sony in India - a contract that has guaranteed every one-day international will be a day-night fixture. With a dozen ODIs and Twenty20 fixtures next season, there would normally be a minimum of three scheduled for the country's biggest city.
There remains a possibility, too, that Eden Park will be required to be closed for a period to provide the public with confidence that the redevelopment programme was under way in earnest in preparation for Rugby World Cup 2011 - though all parties have maintained this will be a "last resort" option.
The International Rugby Board's World Cup arm was in attendance at Friday's ODI against England, along with Martin Snedden and Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd.
