ICC introduces pink ball for day Tests to cut bad-light delays in 2026

The ICC approved trials to switch from red to pink balls during day Tests to reduce bad-light interruptions starting in 2026.

ICC Board Approves Key Changes Several proposals from the Chief Executives Committee received the green light from the ICC Board during a meeting in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Previously, pink balls were reserved for day-night Test matches, a format primarily staged in Australia, but a new experimental approach will test converting red balls to pink under floodlights during traditional day Tests to curb delays caused by poor visibility. The governing body also committed to funding research into advanced lighting systems for officials and venues, partnering with the Marylebone Cricket Club to develop solutions that could cut down on lost playing time due to inadequate illumination. ## Coach Access Rules Updated Another approved change allows head coaches—or their designated representatives—to step onto the field during scheduled drinks breaks to communicate directly with players. This practice was previously banned in international cricket, where messages were limited to runners delivering drinks, but mirrors the approach used in franchise leagues such as the IPL, where tactical discussions during strategic pauses have become commonplace. ## White-Ball Cricket Adjustments In T20I internationals, the ICC set the interval between innings at 15 minutes, with batters required to be prepared to resume play immediately upon restart. Following trials in 2025 to relax wide-ball rulings down the leg side, the ICC made the adjustment permanent and introduced guideline markings to assist umpires in adjudicating wides, particularly when batters shift their stance during deliveries. Additionally, in cases involving suspected illegal bowling actions, match officials will now have access to Hawk-Eye data to aid in decisions about whether to report a bowler.