ICC Announces Major Rule Changes, Pink Ball Usage Approved In Red Ball Tests

ICC Announces Major Rule Changes [Source: AFP]

The ICC concluded a board meeting on May 31 at Ahmedabad, chaired by President Jay Shah. According to the latest media release, a series of recommendations related to Test cricket and other formats were passed in this key meeting.

Jay Shah was present in Ahmedabad to witness the final of the IPL 2026 season between RCB and GT. However, his Ahmedabad visit wasn’t limited to the IPL. He was there in the city to host an important ICC board meeting as chairman.

ICC approves pink ball in Tests to battle bad light

Interestingly, amongst the key decisions passed, ICC has 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 if bad light is likely to be a problem.

This was agreed upon since many overs are lost in Test cricket because umpires deem the light unsafe for red-ball cricket. Pink balls are easier to see under artificial lights and in fading daylight. 

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Naturally, this is a huge change that could transform Test format forever. But it will have to be implemented properly to ensure no loopholes are exposed.

Not only that, the ICC and MCC will do collective research for better lighting technology. Umpires currently rely largely on visual assessment when determining whether conditions are safe. 

But to improve the conditions and reduce stoppages caused by poor light, ICC and MCC will develop new technology together.

Umpires can use Hawk-Eye to assess suspect bowling actions

In another major law passed, match officials can now access Hawk-Eye tracking data when deciding whether a bowler's action should be reported as potentially illegal. 

Previously, officials mainly relied on visual observation. But this change would lead to more evidence-based reporting and better identification of bowlers who may be exceeding the permitted elbow extension limit.

Also, head coaches (or designated staff members) can communicate with players during official drink intervals. This is similar to what already happens in many franchise leagues. 

New laws to become official from October 2026

Apart from these, the ICC has also approved the request for a mandatory 15-minute break in T20Is, and batters must be prepared to resume play promptly following drinks breaks and intervals. Also, the experimental leg side wide rule has now been permanently adopted.

Lastly, teams participating in the Cricket World Cup Challenge League can continue playing other List A matches during the tournament cycle. This happened after the associate nations demanded more exposure for competitive cricket.

Overall, all remaining amendments made by the MCC to the Laws of Cricket will be incorporated into ICC playing conditions from October 1, 2026. These new updates will also be implemented during the same time frame.

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