Archive · 1 Oct 2026
ICC Approves Trial of Pink Balls in Daytime Tests
The ICC is testing pink cricket balls in daytime Test matches.
Pink balls may be easier to see when evening light becomes weak.
This could help prevent overs from being lost because of bad light.
Both teams must agree to use one before the Test begins.
Once chosen, the pink ball must be used for the whole match.
The India-Australia Test in Guwahati could be affected because the sun sets early there.
Play can continue after a wicket in the final over if the weather is good.
Batters who waste time can eventually give the other team five runs.
The ICC also set different ball sizes and weights for men’s, women’s, and junior cricket and clarified the meaning of an overthrow.
The International Cricket Council approved trial use of pink balls in daytime Tests starting October 1.
Teams must mutually agree before the match, and the choice remains binding throughout the Test.
The India-Australia Test in Guwahati could use a pink ball because of early sunset and fading light.
Play will not automatically stop after a wicket in the final over if conditions remain suitable.
Time-wasting batters may be warned twice before a third offence costs the fielding side five runs.
- Who
- The International Cricket Council approved the changes, with the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee chaired by Sourav Ganguly.
- What
- The ICC approved trial use of pink balls in daytime Tests and introduced changes involving playing time, ball specifications, time-wasting, and overthrows.
- When
- The new playing conditions apply to international series beginning on October 1 or later.
- Where
- The changes could affect the India-Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Guwahati, where early sunset can reduce playing time.
- Why
- The pink-ball trial aims to reduce overs lost because of fading light and the broader changes aim to modernize playing conditions and improve the pace of play.
- Effective date
- International series starting October 1 or later
- Pink-ball decision
- Both teams must agree before the Test begins
- Duration
- The selected ball must be used for the entire Test
- Switching rule
- Teams cannot switch from a red ball to a pink ball after play starts
- Time-wasting penalty
- A third offence by a time-wasting batter can give the fielding side five runs
- Ball specifications
- A new ball must weigh 5 to 5.25 ounces and measure 8.46 to 8.66 inches in circumference
- Overthrow definition
- An overthrow is an attempt to direct the ball toward the stumps to prevent runs or achieve a run-out; a misfield is excluded
