ICC Approves Major Cricket Rule Changes Including Pink Ball Tests and Hawk-Eye Support
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a number of significant changes to cricket’s playing conditions, introducing new measures aimed at improving match management, increasing the use of technology and reducing disruptions during international fixtures.
The decisions were finalized during recent ICC Board meetings in India, where officials also reviewed matters related to women’s cricket, global tournaments and governance issues.
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One of the most notable developments is the approval for teams to use a pink ball in Test matches by mutual agreement. The move is designed to help maximize playing time in venues where fading light often affects play and leads to interruptions.
To further address bad-light concerns, the ICC announced plans to explore new lighting technologies for stadiums and match officials. The governing body will work alongside the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to co-fund research projects aimed at minimizing time lost because of poor visibility.
Technology will also play a larger role in monitoring bowling actions. Under the new changes, match officials will be allowed to access Hawk-Eye tracking data when reviewing suspected illegal bowling actions. The ICC believes this will improve the accuracy, consistency and transparency of assessments involving bowlers reported for questionable actions.
The board also approved several updates to playing conditions across international cricket. Head coaches, or designated team representatives, will now be allowed to communicate with players during scheduled drinks breaks, providing teams with greater opportunities for tactical discussions during matches.
In addition, the ICC has officially made the leg-side wides trial a permanent playing condition. After being tested in various competitions, the regulation has now been adopted as a standard rule in the applicable formats, bringing consistency to umpiring decisions involving deliveries down the leg side.
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