AHMEDABAD: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a trial of changing the red ball to the pink ball to increase chances of playing during regular Tests under floodlights and deal with weather-related constraints, international media reported on Monday.
According to a report by an international cricket news website, the amendment, which was tabled during the ICC’s Executive Committee (CEC) meeting held almost last week, was approved at its board meeting in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
After approval, pink balls may be used in regular Tests subject to mutual consent of both teams, which should be obtained prior to the series, as the move seeks to reduce time and overs in poor light.
The apex cricket body also said it would conduct research on lighting technology for match officials and stadiums to curb loss of matches due to poor lighting.
Also, the ICC board meeting allowed the head coach or designated personnel to enter the field during the alcohol break in ODIs.
Earlier, only substitute players were allowed to enter the stadium and relay messages during the drinks break, which was taken twice in an ODI innings at an interval of one hour and 10 minutes.
The ICC made slight changes in the playing conditions of T20Is as it reduced the innings break time to 15 minutes from 20 earlier.
In another amendment, the ICC said it will provide on-field umpires with Hawk Eye data to analyze bowlers for illegal activities during matches as part of its determination to crack down on bowlers with suspicious activities.