ICC approves pink ball bad-light trials and strategic on-field access for coaches

ICC to allow pink ball in test cricket (Pic: ICC)

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved various updates to its playing conditions during its executive board meeting in Ahmedabad. Among the most notable changes are the trial deployment of pink balls to combat bad-light interruptions in Test cricket and permitting head coaches to enter the playing field during scheduled drinks breaks.

In addition to these structural rule updates, the two-day summit saw the governing body suspend Cricket Canada following corruption allegations, while also appointing senior ICC officials to monitor the upcoming Bangladesh Cricket Board elections.

According to an official ICC release, teams can now mutually agree before a series to trial the pink ball during Test matches specifically to maximise playing time when poor light threatens to halt the game. Under this framework, a match will start using the traditional red ball. However, if visibility deteriorates, floodlights will be turned on, and the pink ball will be introduced to ensure the remaining overs of the day are completed.

For example, if a standard 90-over day is interrupted by fading light after 75 overs, the remaining 15 overs can be bowled using a pink ball under lights, provided both participating nations consented prior to the series. It remains to be seen how teams like India, whose players have historically shown reluctance toward pink-ball fixtures due to its pronounced seam movement altering the game's dynamics, will react to this tactical shift.

To further address visibility issues, the ICC Board approved joint research and development funding alongside the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to study advanced stadium lighting technologies.

ICC to allow coaches in field of play during drinks intervals

In a move that mirrors the strategic timeouts seen in global T20 leagues, Test cricket will now allow coaching staff to directly influence tactics mid-game.

The updated playing conditions officially permit head coaches, or a designated staff member, to enter the field and talk with their players during scheduled drinks intervals. Furthermore, the ICC has mandated fixed 15-minute innings breaks for all T20 Internationals and implemented stricter rules requiring batsmen to be ready for play the moment the innings break ends.

(With PTI inputs)