The pink ball, which is more visible during twilight and under artificial lights, is currently used in day-night Test matches. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a trial that could see the traditional red ball being replaced by a pink ball during Test matches when bad light threatens to bring play to a halt.

At its board meeting here over the weekend, the ICC agreed to trial the use of a pink ball in Tests, “with prior agreement from both teams, to maximise play in case of anticipated bad light.”

The proposal had earlier been discussed by the ICC’s Cricket Committee, chaired by former India captain Sourav Ganguly, as well as the Chief Executives’ Committee. The move is aimed at reducing interruptions caused by fading light and ensuring more playing time in Test cricket.

While the ICC’s official statement did not spell out the operational details, sources confirmed to  Sportstar that the trial would allow match officials to switch from the red ball to a pink ball if deteriorating light conditions are likely to force players off the field. The pink ball, which is more visible during twilight and under artificial lights, is currently used in day-night Test matches.

Bad-light stoppages have become an increasingly contentious issue in Test cricket, particularly in countries where overcast conditions and early sunsets frequently disrupt play. The proposed change is viewed as a practical solution that could help preserve playing time without compromising player safety or visibility.

The ICC Board also approved a joint research initiative with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to explore new lighting technologies for match officials and venues, with the objective of reducing time lost due to poor light. Both organisations will co-fund the research and development programme.

In another significant move, match officials will now be permitted to access Hawk-Eye data when considering whether to report a bowler for a suspected illegal bowling action.

The Board also approved changes to player and coaching staff interaction during limited-overs internationals. Head coaches will now be allowed to enter the field during official drinks breaks in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), bringing the format in line with T20 Internationals, where such interactions are already permitted.

Under the existing regulations, only substitute players are allowed onto the field during breaks in play. With ODIs featuring two scheduled drinks intervals per innings, coaches could now have up to four opportunities during a match to communicate directly with players and relay tactical instructions. It remains unclear whether coaches will be required to wear official team playing attire while on the field.

Among other decisions, the ICC permanently adopted the revised leg-side wide interpretation and confirmed that all remaining changes to the MCC’s Laws of Cricket will come into effect from October 1.

The Board also ruled that teams competing in the Cricket World Cup Challenge League will continue to be eligible to play other List A limited-overs matches during each tournament cycle.

Published on Jun 01, 2026