Stories
ICC Approves Pink Ball for Day-Time Tests on Trial Basis to Combat Fading Light
- •The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved the use of pink balls in day-time Tests on a trial basis to mitigate the impact of fading light in the final session, which often leads to lost overs.
- •The new playing conditions are effective for all international series starting on or after October 1, potentially impacting the Border-Gavaskar Trophy match between India and Australia in Guwahati due to early sunsets.
- •Mutual agreement between teams is required before a Test match to use pink balls, and once agreed, the decision is binding for the entire contest, with no switching between red and pink balls allowed once the match begins.
- •Sourav Ganguly, ICC Men’s Cricket Committee Chair, highlighted these changes as part of broader efforts to modernize the sport, including provisions for cricket balls, fielding clarity, and measures to improve game pace.
- •Other changes include not automatically ending play at a wicket fall in the last over if conditions permit, distinct ball specifications for men's, women's, and junior cricket, and penalties for time-wasting batters.
Key Questions Answered
The International Cricket Council has approved the use of pink balls in day-time Test matches on a trial basis to minimize the loss of overs caused by fading light. This decision requires mutual agreement between both teams before the match starts and remains binding for the entire duration, meaning teams cannot switch back and forth once play has commenced.
New limits have been established creating three distinct size and weight specifications for men's, women's, and junior cricket, moving away from the past practice where manufacturers often produced a single ball for both women's and junior categories. Specifically, a new ball must weigh between 5 ounces and 5.25 ounces and measure between 8.46 inches and 8.66 inches in circumference.
Under the updated regulations, batters who waste time will receive warnings for the first and second instances. If the offence is repeated a third time, five penalty runs will be awarded to the fielding side.
