ICC announces pink-ball one-day Test, tougher time-wasting penalties

The ICC has introduced a trial allowing the use of pink balls in one-day Test matches, along with tougher penalties for time-wasting batsmen, as part of a series of changes to international cricket’s playing conditions from 1 October.

The pink-ball trial is aimed at reducing the loss of playing time due to bad light. Teams may only use the pink ball if both sides agree before the start of the Test. Once decided, the color of the ball cannot be changed during the match.

The ICC has also tightened the rules regarding batsmen’s time-wasting in men’s cricket. A batsman who is not ready to face the next delivery in the prescribed time will receive a warning for the first offense and a final warning for the second. A third offense and each subsequent offense will result in five penalty runs being awarded to the fielding team. Repeat offenses could also lead to code of conduct action.

PAYLOR GUARDS FINE

Time wasting came into focus during the 2025 Lord’s Test between India and England. Indian captain Shubman Gill claimed that his confrontation with Zak Crawley he was linked with Crawley and Ben Duckett arriving at the crease late as they tried to see out the final on Day 3.

Under the new rule, batters will have to be ready within the prescribed time before they face the next delivery. The first offense will bring a warning, the second a final warning, while the third and subsequent offenses will cost the fielding team five penalty runs.

WOMEN GET NEW BALLS

The ICC has introduced stricter limits on the size and weight of balls used in women’s international cricket.

Three separate specifications will now apply for men’s, women’s and junior cricket. The change comes after manufacturers often produced a single ball for use in women’s and junior cricket.

CLARIFIED THROW RULE

The ICC has also clarified what constitutes overthrow. An overthrow is an attempt to direct the ball towards the stumps to prevent a run or to complete a runout.

A foul field, whether a fielder attempts to stop the ball or pass it to another fielder, shall not be considered a pitch.

The rules regarding when a ball is considered “finally settled” have also been changed. The ball does not necessarily have to be in the hands of the pitcher or the keeper to be considered out.

For a run-out or stump, the fielder must have full control of the ball. Merely touching the ball with your hand as it breaks the stumps will not do.

PINK BALL GETS A DAILY TRIAL PART

Teams can now agree to use the pink ball in a day’s Test to reduce the number of games lost due to poor light.

The decision must be made before the start of the test and cannot be changed once the match is underway. The transition from the red ball to the pink ball during the test will not be allowed.

FINAL OVER MAY CONTINUE

A wicket in the final over of the day will no longer automatically end the game if the over has not been completed.

Weather and playing conditions permitting, the remaining consignments will be played on the same day. The ICC said the change would prevent time wastage as these deliveries would otherwise have to be bowled early the following day.

T20 BREAK FIXED

T20Is will now have a fixed 15-minute interval, although this can be reduced to a minimum of 10 minutes if playing time is lost.

The ODI and T20I playing conditions have also been aligned to allow the head coach or his designee to take the field during the drinks break.

The leg-side wide test has also become a permanent part of the ODI and T20I playing conditions.

The new rules apply to international series starting on or after October 1. The already ongoing series will continue under the previous playing conditions.

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