![ECB revolt against Jay Shah's ICC [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1780392291857_ECBrevoltagainstJayShah'sICC.jpg?type=hq)
ECB revolt against Jay Shah's ICC [Source: AFP]
After an overdose of T20 cricket, Test cricket is set to return as the England side will host the New Zealand team in a three-match series, starting on June 4. With numerous international series set to take place in June, the governing body, ICC, decided to make certain changes in the Test match rules and regulations.
The ICC recently had a meeting in Ahmedabad on May 31, and the Jay Shah-led organisation announced a series of recommendations to make Test cricket better. However, the Three Lions, England, have openly revolted against the rule changes and have gone against the decision made by the ICC.
ICC approved Pink-Ball Test to counter bad light
Unlike an ODI game or T20s, Test cricket is played in broad daylight, with the matches generally taking place between 9 and 5. However, as it often happens, bad light hampers the fun, and the batters find it difficult to see the red ball under bad lighting.
To counter this problem, the ICC announced a new rule change and approved the usage of the pink ball in Test matches if bad light is expected. Teams can now agree before a Test match to use a Pink ball, instead of the traditional red ball.
This decision was taken as many times, overs are lost in a Test match due to bad light. The pink ball has better visibility, and according to the ICC, the batters will find it easier to play even if the game gets hampered due to low light.
England cricket revolt against ICC's decision
All the amendments laid down by the ICC will officially come into play from October 1, 2026, but it seems one of the top cricketing boards, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), has raised questions towards the ICC.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, the England Cricket Board has no plans to use the Pink Ball Test, despite the ICC promoting a trial to reduce time lost due to bad light. The report stated that England are hesitatnt to switch from Red ball to Pink Ball, and might revolt against the new rule change.
The Ben Stokes-led English side is the first full-member nation to question the ICC, and the reasoning could be their poor form in Pink-Ball Tests.
Also Read: ICC Changes Schedule In Historic Champions Trophy 2027 For Women
England's poor record in Pink-Ball Tests
There is a reason why the English side has not fully embraced the new ICC change, and it could be due to their poor record in the Pink-Ball Tests. When the ball swings, the England Test team struggles, and it was evident during the Ashes 2025-26, when the Three Lions suffered a drubbing.
So far, in Test match history, the England team has played seven Pink-Ball matches, and the side has a mediocre record in Day-Night conditions. Out of the seven Pink-Ball matches, England have won just 2, and have lost 5 games, with the recent one being against Australia in Brisbane.
Their two Test wins in Pink-Ball conditions have come against the West Indies in 2017, and against the New Zealand side in 2023.
England, not the only one criticising ICC's decision
England is not the only one that has criticised ICC’s sudden decision to change the Test match rules midway. The decision didn’t sit well with the South African international, Rassie van der Dussen, who questioned the ICC for implementing the rule.
"Who makes these decisions!? There's a gulf between red and pink balls - ask anyone who's played with them. They react and feel completely different. And while we're at it, stop day night/pink ball Tests altogether. It's just not the same!", Dussen said on X.
With the rules set to be officially implemented in a few months' time, it would be interesting to see whether the ECB continues to protest against ICC’s decision, or if there will be a change in stance.
Also Read: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Rates Touch The Sky After IPL 2026
