Jay Shah is ICC's current chairperson. Image Credits- AFP
At the recently concluded International Cricket Council (ICC) board meeting on May 31, the ICC made a couple of landmark decisions in Ahmedabad. One of the key points from the meeting. was approving the use of the pink ball in Test matches if bad light is expected. where Jay Shah and other top members were present in the meeting.
Traditionally, teams have contested with the red ball, but then the ICC tried to spice things up by bringing the pink ball into Test Cricket in 2015. The move was to bring more eyeballs to the longest format, which usually ran between 9 to 5 over the course of five days.
However, the addition of pink-ball Tests not only introduced a whole new tangent to the game but also allowed the final session to get underway under artificial lights.
As a lot of time gets wasted due to bad light in red-ball Test matches, the ICC has decided to approve the pink ball in case of bad light, only on the trial basis. However, the teams must agree before a Test match if they want to change balls during the game.
Rassie van der Dussen asks ICC to consult cricketers, not administrators
On Monday, former South African star Rassie van der Dussen, who called off his time recently, showed his unwillingness to the Jay Shah-led ICC's latest move. He mentioned that there is a gulf difference between red and pink balls.
Moreover, the recently retired batter also mocked the international body, saying the board should consult those who have played the sport rather than the administrators making the decisions.
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Furthermore, the former cricketer asked Jay Shah's ICC to stop Day-Night Test entirely. It is worth noting that so far a total of 25 Day-Night Tests have been contested with the pink ball.
"Who makes these decisions!? Honestly. 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!" Rassie van der Dussen said in a post on his X handle.
What all laws were discussed in ICC meeting?
Apart from the usage of pink-ball law, the Jay Shah-led ICC has brought in the leg-side wide rule, meaning each delivery down the leg side will be cross-checked. Moreover, teams participating in the Cricket World Cup Qualifiers will be permitted to play other List A matches during the cycle.
Additionally, match officials may now access Hawk-Eye technology to decide whether a bowler's action is potentially illegal or not.
All these amendments will be incorporated into ICC playing conditions from October 1, 2026.
Conclucion: Writer's take
These laws, mainly the usage of the pink ball rule, are introduced on a trial basis. As Rassie van der Dussen stated, playing the pink ball is multiple times tougher than playing with the red ball.
However, the ICC only introduces new laws after consultation with the MCC, which is chaired by the 134-Test veteran Kumar Sangakkara.
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