AHMEDABAD: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a series of significant changes to cricket’s playing conditions, with a focus on improving match management, increasing the use of technology, and reducing interruptions during international matches.
The decisions were taken during the ICC Board meetings held in India, where the governing body also discussed women’s cricket, global competition structures, and governance matters.
Among the most notable changes is the approval to allow the use of a pink ball in Test matches by mutual agreement between participating teams.
The move is aimed at maximising playing time in matches where poor light is anticipated to affect play.
The ICC also announced plans to research new lighting technologies for venues and match officials, co-funding development projects with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to reduce time lost due to bad light.
In another key decision, match officials will now be able to access Hawk-Eye data when assessing suspected illegal bowling actions.
The ICC believes the use of advanced tracking technology will improve the accuracy and consistency of bowling action reviews.
The board also approved several updates to playing conditions. Head coaches, or their designated representatives, will now be permitted to consult with players during scheduled drinks intervals.
The ICC further confirmed the permanent adoption of the leg-side wides trial, ending its experimental phase and making it a standard playing condition across relevant formats.
