ICC Thinks Multiple Major Cricket Rule Changes Including Pink Ball Use In Tests

The ICC is considering sweeping changes to cricket’s playing conditions, including pink-ball usage in regular Tests, shorter T20I innings breaks and allowing head coaches onto the field during drinks intervals.

The International Cricket Council is discussing a series of significant amendments to the game’s playing conditions across Test cricket, ODIs and T20Is, with several proposals expected to be reviewed during the ICC Board meeting in Ahmedabad on May 30.

Among the biggest talking points is the possible introduction of the pink ball in traditional red-ball Test matches under specific circumstances. The proposed changes were part of the ICC Chief Executives Committee meeting conducted virtually on Thursday, with ICC Cricket Committee chairman Sourav Ganguly also taking part in the discussions.

ICC Considering Pink Ball Switch During Regular Test Matches

One of the most notable proposals under consideration involves permitting teams to switch from the red ball to the pink ball during a standard Test match if poor weather conditions force play under lights.

The move would reportedly require agreement from both participating teams before implementation. While the concept is still under review, the ICC is believed to be examining how the transition between the two balls could work smoothly during a live match.

The proposal could become one of the most revolutionary changes in modern Test cricket if approved, especially in rain-affected matches where visibility becomes a concern later in the day.

Head Coaches Could Soon Enter Field During Drinks Breaks

The ICC is also looking at modifying existing ODI regulations by allowing head coaches onto the field during drinks intervals. At present, only substitute fielders are permitted to enter the playing arena during those breaks.

The current playing condition states: “Any player taking drinks onto the field shall be dressed in proper cricket attire,”

Under the proposed amendment, head coaches would also be granted field access during scheduled drinks intervals, although it remains unclear whether they would be required to wear official team kit while doing so.

The proposed rule is largely aimed at ODI cricket, where teams currently get two drinks breaks per innings, each separated by one hour and 10 minutes. In T20 internationals, coaches are already permitted to interact with players during strategic breaks.

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T20I Innings Break Reduction And HawkEye Monitoring Also Discussed

Another key proposal being explored is reducing the innings interval in T20 internationals from 20 minutes to 15 minutes.

The existing regulation reads: “There shall be a 20-minute interval between innings, taken from the call of Time before the interval until the call of Play on resumption after the interval.”

If approved, teams would get five fewer minutes between innings to regroup and plan for the chase or defence.

The ICC is additionally considering giving on-field umpires access to HawkEye technology to monitor bowlers for suspect actions during matches. While operational details are yet to be clarified, the governing body appears keen to strengthen its monitoring process for illegal bowling actions.

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The proposed amendments are still awaiting final approval and could officially come into effect after the ICC Board meeting later this month.