Intro
New playing conditions aim to maximise action and reduce overs lost
Ahmedabad
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a trial allowing the use of the pink ball in Test matches affected by bad light, marking one of several significant changes to playing conditions ratified during its annual board meeting in Ahmedabad.
Under the proposal, Test matches will continue to begin with the traditional red ball. However, if fading light threatens to halt play and both teams have agreed before the series, the match can temporarily switch to a pink ball under floodlights to ensure the scheduled overs are completed.
The move is designed to minimise lost playing time in a format that has frequently been disrupted by poor visibility despite suitable conditions for spectators and television audiences. For example, if only 15 overs remain in a day’s play and bad light prevents the use of the red ball, those overs could be completed with a pink ball under artificial lighting.
The ICC said the trial would be conducted only with prior consent from both participating teams. The decision is expected to generate debate, particularly among teams that have traditionally been reluctant to embrace pink-ball cricket because of the additional seam movement and different playing conditions it creates.
To further address the issue, the ICC Board also approved research into advanced lighting technology for match officials and venues. The governing body will co-fund research and development projects with the Marylebone Cricket Club aimed at reducing interruptions caused by poor light.
Among other key changes, head coaches or designated support staff will now be permitted to enter the field during scheduled drinks intervals in Test cricket, similar to strategic time-outs in T20 matches. The board also approved the permanent adoption of the leg-side wides trial and granted match officials access to Hawk-Eye data when assessing suspected illegal bowling actions.
The meeting also resulted in the immediate suspension of Cricket Canada over governance and membership breaches, although Canadian national teams will remain eligible for ICC events under a controlled funding arrangement.
Additionally, the ICC shifted the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 to February 14-28, 2027, and approved the launch of the Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy in 2026 featuring 10 teams.
All new playing conditions will come into effect from October 1, 2026.