ICC greenlights pink ball trial for day Tests

The International Cricket Council has approved a trial allowing the use of a pink ball in traditional day Test matches to combat the loss of playing time due to bad light. The new regulation, which will take effect from October 1, permits the switch from a red to a pink ball during a match if both competing teams agree to the condition beforehand.

Under the trial, a Test would begin with the conventional red ball. If poor light threatens to curtail play, officials could activate floodlights and introduce a pink ball to continue the session and recover overs that might otherwise be lost. The ICC stated the measure is intended to maximize play in cases of anticipated bad light.

India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has publicly welcomed the decision, describing it as a proactive and positive step. Speaking ahead of India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan in Mullanpur, Gambhir emphasized the importance of securing results in the longest format of the game.

"I love that. The reason is because I always believe that if there's an opportunity to get a result, you should always have that opportunity," Gambhir said. He framed his support around high-stakes scenarios, particularly in the...