ICC to trial pink balls to counter bad light stoppages
The ICC will trial pink balls in Test matches to combat bad light, aiming to maximize play. This initiative also includes research into new lighting technology.
- Why red and white balls are unsuitable for fading light.
- Pink balls already used in day-night Test matches.
- New research on lighting technology for match officials.
AHMEDABAD: Cricket’s governing body said Monday it would trial the use of pink-coloured balls in Test matches to maximise play during bad light.
The red balls usually used in Tests are not easily visible in fading light, while white balls used in limited-overs matches have been found to be not durable enough for the longer format.
Pink balls are already used in day-night Tests played under lights.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement its executive board had approved the “trialling the use of a pink ball in Test matches, with prior agreement from both teams, to maximise play in case of anticipated bad light”.
The global cricketing body said it had also given approval for new “research on lighting technology for match officials and venues to reduce lost play due to poor light”.
“Our discussions… have reinforced the ICC’s commitment to governance, administration and the growth of cricket globally,” said council chief Jay Shah, following a meeting in India’s Ahmedabad.
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