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ICC approves pink ball trial in test (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a new trial allowing the use of a pink ball in Test matches when poor light threatens to interrupt play.
The decision was taken during the ICC Board meeting held in Ahmedabad as part of efforts to reduce time lost during Test matches because of fading light and visibility concerns.
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Under the proposed trial, teams will be allowed to switch from the traditional red ball to a pink ball if visibility conditions deteriorate during a Test match. The ICC believes the pink ball, already used in day-night Test matches, offers better visibility under low-light conditions and could help complete more overs when natural light fades.
ICC has approved a pink ball trial in Test cricket to reduce interruptions caused by poor light, with the new rule set to take effect from October 1, 2026.#ICC #TestCricket #PinkBall #CricketNews #ICCBoard #WorldCricket #SportsNews pic.twitter.com/kjnAFMWVEV
— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) June 1, 2026
However, the experiment will only be implemented if both participating teams agree to the condition before the start of a match or series.
Poor light interruptions have remained a recurring issue in Test cricket, often forcing umpires to suspend play despite limited chances of rain. The ICC said the pink ball trial is intended to maximise playing time and minimise unnecessary stoppages caused by visibility problems.
The governing body will also work with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to explore advanced lighting solutions and study ways to improve visibility during matches.
Alongside the pink ball trial, the ICC approved several other amendments to international playing conditions. Match officials will now be permitted to access Hawk-Eye data while reviewing potential cases of illegal bowling actions.
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The ICC also decided to allow coaches and designated support staff to communicate with players during official drinks breaks. In another key change, the trial rule regarding leg-side wides in international cricket has now been made permanent.
According to the ICC, all the approved changes, including the pink ball trial, will come into effect from October 1, 2026. The cricket body has not yet announced which Test series could become the first to implement the new pink ball rule.
The results of the trial period will be reviewed before the ICC takes any decision on introducing the system permanently across international Test cricket.
