Major Changes in Cricket: ICC Approves Pink Ball Trials and Coach Access During Matches

Significant Updates from ICC's Annual Meeting

Ahmedabad: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced several notable changes to the playing conditions during its recent annual meeting. Among these is the trial of pink balls in Test matches to counteract the effects of poor lighting, along with allowing head coaches to enter the field during drinks breaks.

The two-day meeting took place in Ahmedabad, where the board also decided to suspend Cricket Canada due to corruption allegations and appointed senior ICC officials to oversee the elections of the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

According to an ICC statement, the trial will involve using a pink ball in Test matches, provided both teams agree, to ensure maximum play time in case of anticipated bad light. Matches will commence with a red ball, but if light conditions worsen, the pink ball will be utilized under floodlights to compensate for any lost overs.

For instance, if 90 overs are scheduled and only 75 have been bowled with a red ball before light fades, the remaining overs can be played with a pink ball, contingent on prior agreement between the teams.

Indian players have historically shown reluctance towards pink ball Tests at home, raising questions about their willingness to accept this partial usage, which could significantly influence match dynamics due to enhanced seam movement.

Additionally, the ICC Board has approved research into lighting technology for match officials and venues to minimize lost play due to inadequate lighting, with funding for R&D projects in collaboration with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

Coaches' Access During Drinks Breaks

In a move similar to T20 matches, where strategic time-outs allow coaches and support staff to enter the field, Test matches will now also permit head coaches or their representatives to consult with players during scheduled drinks intervals.

The updated playing conditions will enforce 15-minute breaks in T20I matches and require batters to be prepared for play to resume promptly.

Monitoring Bowling Actions with Hawk-Eye Technology

To address illegal bowling actions, on-field umpires will now have access to Hawk-Eye data. This will enable match officials to utilize this technology when considering whether to report a bowler for an illegal action.

Other Key Decisions

The ICC Board has also permanently adopted the trial of leg-side wides. All new playing conditions will take effect from October 1, 2026.

Cricket Canada Suspension

The ICC Board has decided to suspend Cricket Canada from its membership immediately due to serious violations of its membership obligations. This decision aims to protect the interests of Canadian players and ensure they are not adversely affected by governance issues within the national governing body.

Despite the suspension, Canadian national teams will still be eligible to participate in ICC events. Cricket Canada will have access to ICC funding through a controlled mechanism for approved national team programs, under ICC management oversight.

The ICC will also provide Cricket Canada with conditions for reinstatement to address governance and administrative issues, with progress monitored by the ICC Normalisation Committee.

Updates on Women's Cricket

The ICC Board has rescheduled the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy 2027, moving it from June-July to February 14-28, 2027. Additionally, the ICC will pilot the Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026, featuring ten teams, including five Full Members and five Associate Members, based on rankings and previous T20 World Cup qualifications.