ICC approves pink ball for Test matches with low visibility

The ICC has approved a trial that could reduce one of Test cricket’s oldest frustrations: lost playing time caused by bad light. 

Following a board meeting in Ahmedabad on Sunday, the governing body confirmed that teams will be allowed to switch from a red ball to a pink ball during a Test match if fading light threatens to stop play.

Under the trial, matches will still begin with the traditional red ball. The pink ball will only be introduced if light conditions deteriorate to the point where play would normally be at risk of suspension. 

Floodlights must be available at the venue, and both teams must agree to the arrangement before the start of a series.

The idea is aimed squarely at preserving overs. Bad light has regularly interrupted Test matches around the world, particularly in England, New Zealand, and parts of the subcontinent where weather conditions can change quickly. 

Umpires have often been forced to take players off the field despite rain having no direct impact on the match. 

The ICC believes the visibility of the pink ball under floodlights could allow play to continue safely in situations where the red ball becomes difficult to see.

Pink balls have been used exclusively in day-night Tests since the format was introduced more than a decade ago. 

Those matches are designed around evening play, with players and teams preparing for the different behaviour of the ball under lights. 

This trial takes a different approach by introducing the pink ball during a match that began as a conventional day Test.

The ICC approved several other playing-condition adjustments at the same meeting. Head coaches will now be permitted to enter the field during drinks breaks, while the leg-side wides rule has been made permanent after a trial period. 

Match officials will also have access to Hawk-Eye data when assessing potentially suspect bowling actions.

In the meantime, the red-to-pink ball switch remains an experiment rather than a permanent law change. The ICC plans to review how it works in practice before deciding whether to adopt it across the game.