The International Cricket Council has given the green light to trial the use of a pink ball in Test matches to combat weather interruptions, ensuring play continues under lights to minimize the impact of bad light. This decision, made during the ICC Board meetings in Ahmedabad, also includes researching lighting technology for officials and venues to prevent lost play due to poor light. Additionally, match officials can now utilize Hawk-Eye data for assessing illegal bowling actions.
In a statement released by the ICC, the focus is on enhancing global competition structures and promoting innovation within the sport. Among the approved recommendations from the Chief Executives Committee is the trial of pink ball usage in Test Matches, subject to mutual agreement from both teams, to maximize play in case of expected bad light.
Furthermore, there will be exploration into lighting technology for officials and venues to minimize lost play due to poor light, with joint funding from the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). The ICC has also embraced the suggestion from the Chief Executives Committee to allow match officials access to Hawk-Eye data when evaluating illegal bowling actions.
Other updates include permitting head coaches or their representatives to confer with teams during scheduled drinks breaks, introducing mandatory 15-minute intervals in T20I matches, and ensuring batters are prepared for play to resume promptly. The ICC has also sanctioned the permanent adoption of the legside wides trial and all remaining MCC Laws of Cricket changes starting October 1, 2026.
Updates to the Classification of Official Cricket have been approved as well, confirming that teams in the CWC Challenge League can participate in other List A limited overs matches during each Challenge League tournament cycle.
