Red and pink balls will compete in the same matchImage Credit source: Getty Images
Test cricket has seen few changes in its long history. In particular, only a few changes have been seen in the equipment related to playing it. A major change in this came about 10 years ago, when for the first time the pink ball was used instead of the red ball and day-night Test matches were played. Since then the ‘Pink Ball Test’ or ‘Day-Night Test’ has been played many times. But now soon only one Test match can be played with pink ball and red ball instead of separately because ICC is preparing for a big change.
The ICC Board meeting will be held in Ahmedabad on May 30, just before the IPL 2026 final, in which decisions will be taken on some major changes in the playing conditions of all three formats. Recently, some such changes were discussed in the ICC Chief Executive Committee, which will now be voted on in the ICC Board meeting in Ahmedabad. A major change is going to happen in the playing conditions of Test cricket, where two different balls can be used in the same match.
Red and pink ball in the same match
Cricbuzz report has revealed that in the future, there can be a change from red ball to pink ball during the same test match. This will happen only in the event that there is any disruption in the match due to bad weather and due to lack of light, the match becomes necessary to proceed with the match under floodlights. In such a situation, if both the teams agree on this, then in that situation the game will be proceeded with pink ball instead of red ball.
Play is usually stopped in poor lighting conditions as the red ball is often difficult to see, while test matches with the pink ball are played under floodlights. In such a situation, the wastage of time that often occurs in test matches can be prevented. This is the only reason why preparations are being made to bring such changes.
These changes in ODI and T20I
Apart from this, an important decision is going to be taken in ODI cricket regarding the entry of the coach. Under the proposed change, the head coach of the team will be allowed to go on the field and talk to the players during the drinks break in the ODI match. Till now this system is only in T20 International but in the coming time it can be implemented in ODI cricket also. Apart from these, there is a proposal to reduce the break between two innings in T20 International from 20 minutes to 15 minutes.
