ICC Launches Pink Ball Trial to Minimize Bad Light Disruptions in Test Cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a trial allowing the use of pink balls in Test matches to reduce play interruptions caused by poor lighting conditions.

While pink balls have been employed in day-night Test matches since 2015, this marks the first occasion they can be interchanged with the traditional red ball during play.

The ICC announced the trial on Monday, though it remains unclear whether the pink ball could be implemented for the opening Test between England and New Zealand at Lord’s this week.

Both teams participating in a Test match must provide prior consent for pink ball usage when light conditions deteriorate.

Reducing play suspensions due to inadequate lighting has become a persistent challenge for players, fans, and broadcasters, particularly at venues equipped with floodlights.

During the 2024 third Test against Sri Lanka at The Oval, over half of the first day was lost to bad light. Former England captain Michael Vaughan commented, “You go to a pink ball and carry on. Teams will have to accept they get unlucky. All these ideas, you’re not going to appease everyone. I just want to see them carry on.”

The ICC has not specified the trial duration but stated it will collaborate with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to advance lighting technology research for match officials and venues.

Since the inaugural day-night Test between Australia and New Zealand in Adelaide 11 years ago, 25 men’s Tests have been played under lights, with only one occurring in England—a 2017 Edgbaston victory for England over West Indies.

Day-night cricket has become routine in Australia, where the home team has dominated with the pink ball—winning 14 of 15 Tests under lights. The home side has also won all four day-night Ashes Tests in Australia since 2017-18.

England is considering skipping day-night Tests in their upcoming 2029-30 Ashes tour, though the landmark 150th anniversary Test between Australia and England in Melbourne next March is scheduled as a day-night fixture.

At the ICC board meeting in Ahmedabad, coaches were also granted permission to enter the field during drinks breaks in T20 internationals, aligning with franchise league practices.

Additionally, the ICC expressed concern over the expanding influence of franchise cricket and established a committee to harmonize international and franchise schedules.

Cricket Canada’s ICC membership has been suspended immediately due to “serious violations of membership obligations.”

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