Ahmedabad: The International Cricket Council has brought major changes in the rules of Test cricket. In fact, Test matches often end the day’s play early due to bad light. To address this, the ICC has allowed the use of pink balls during poor lighting conditions. However, it is said that for now it will be seen only on a test basis.

The ICC Board meeting was held in Ahmedabad on May 31 i.e. the final day of IPL 2026. In this meeting it was decided to use the pink ball. The purpose of this decision is to maximize the number of overs in Test matches. The day’s play is usually brought to a quick end due to poor light, which reduces the number of overs in the match.

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Let it be known that the first pink ball test match in the history of cricket was played in 2015. Australia beat New Zealand by 3 wickets in that match. After that, with the passage of time, matches were played between different countries with pink balls. The pink ball may be used in poor light only when both teams agree to it.

ICC has brought another major change. Now whenever there is a water break during the match, the coach can enter the field to talk to the players. Another major decision was sealed in the meeting held in Ahmedabad. Also, match officials will now be able to view Hawk-Eye data to identify suspicious bowling actions by bowlers. This new rule will be effective from 1 October 2026.