ICC approves trial for pink ball in Test matches to combat bad light
5 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 2, 2026, 11:08 AM
Last updated Jun 2, 2026
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to trial the use of pink balls during Test matches to mitigate disruptions caused by poor light conditions. The change aims to reduce the amount of lost play time, as officials currently halt games under unsafe light assessments. The trial is contingent upon agreement from both competing teams. Pink balls have been used in day/night Tests since 2015, and this initiative is part of the ICC's broader efforts to enhance the game. The organization is also collaborating with the MCC to further develop lighting technology for match settings.
- •Trial for using pink balls to combat bad light disruptions approved.
- •Teams must agree for pink ball use during matches.
- •Pink balls have been part of day/night Tests since 2015.
- •ICC collaborates with MCC for lighting advancements.
- •Additional regulation changes were also approved in Ahmedabad.
- 11:08 AMYahoo Sports — ICC trials pink ball to curb stoppages in Test cricket
- 12:06 PMESPNcricinfo — ICC approves red-to-pink ball change to reduce bad-light impact in Test cricket
- 11:30 AMYahoo Sports — ICC to trial pink balls to limit bad light stoppages
- 11:30 AMBBC Sport — ICC to trial pink balls to limit bad light stoppages
- 11:13 AMYahoo Sports — ICC to trial using pink ball to reduce bad light stoppages in Test matches
"Cricket's governing body is trialing pink balls in Tests to combat bad light, aiming to boost playing time and spectator enjoyment. Other reforms include enhanced technology for illegal bowling action assessments and allowing head coaches onto the field during drinks breaks in ODIs. Concerns over franchise leagues are also being addressed.
"Pink balls will be used to limit play lost to bad light in Test matches in a trial introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
"Pink balls will be used to limit play lost to bad light in Test matches in a trial introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 2, 2026, 11:08 AMICC trials pink ball to curb stoppages in Test cricket
Cricket's governing body is trialing pink balls in Tests to combat bad light, aiming to boost playing time and spectator enjoyment. Other reforms include enhanced technology for illegal bowling action assessments and allowing head coaches onto the field during drinks breaks in ODIs. Concerns over franchise leagues are also being addressed.
- ESPNcricinfoJun 1, 2026, 12:06 PMICC approves red-to-pink ball change to reduce bad-light impact in Test cricket
Both teams will have to agree to changing the ball from red to pink in case of bad light during a Test match
- Yahoo SportsJun 1, 2026, 11:30 AMICC to trial pink balls to limit bad light stoppages
Pink balls will be used to limit play lost to bad light in Test matches in a trial introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
- BBC SportJun 1, 2026, 11:30 AMICC to trial pink balls to limit bad light stoppages
Pink balls will be used to limit play lost to bad light in Test matches in a trial introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
- Yahoo SportsJun 1, 2026, 11:13 AMICC to trial using pink ball to reduce bad light stoppages in Test matches
The governing body is also working with the MCC to explore technology to reduce lost play due to poor light
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