New Rule Coming to Test Cricket, Ball Colour Could Change If Required

In an effort to reduce interruptions and lost overs caused by poor light in Test cricket, the ICC has introduced a new initiative. The governing body’s board has approved a trial regulation that would allow the use of a pink ball instead of a red ball during a daytime Test match when necessary. However, the change can only be implemented with the prior agreement of both participating teams.

The decision was among several recommendations from the Chief Executives Committee that were approved at the ICC Board meeting held in Ahmedabad, India, on Sunday. Until now, pink balls had been used exclusively in day-night Test matches, which are played primarily in Australia and a few other countries. The aim of the new trial is to allow play to continue under floodlights and reduce interruptions caused by poor light.

However, the regulation is unlikely to be in place in time for the Test series between England and New Zealand, which begins on June 4. The ICC also announced plans to conduct research into improved lighting technology for match officials and venues. The project will be jointly funded with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

In addition, under new regulations for One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), head coaches or designated support staff will be allowed to enter the field of play during scheduled drinks breaks to communicate directly with players. Such interaction was previously not permitted in international cricket, where messages could only be relayed through players carrying drinks. However, it has long been a feature of franchise leagues such as the IPL.

The ICC has also set the interval between innings in T20 Internationals at 15 minutes. Batters will be required to be ready to resume play immediately after the break.

Meanwhile, the ICC has permanently adopted the leg-side wide guidelines that were introduced on a trial basis in 2025. The guidelines are intended to assist umpires in making more consistent wide-ball decisions, particularly when batters move around in the crease.

The governing body has also approved the use of Hawk-Eye data to assist match officials in assessing and reporting suspected illegal bowling actions.