ICC playing conditions: Pink ball Test trials for bad light and coaches allowed on field at drinks

The ICC Board cleared several updates to playing conditions at its annual meeting in Ahmedabad. The changes include trial use of a pink ball in Tests during bad light. Head coaches will also be allowed on the field during drinks breaks.

The Board also suspended Cricket Canada, and made decisions on Bangladesh cricket elections.

The Board said the pink ball trial will happen only with both teams' agreement. It aims to reduce overs lost when light drops in a Test match. "Trialling the use of a pink ball in Test Matches, with prior agreement from both teams, to maximise play in case of anticipated bad light, an ICC statement read. " Matches will still begin with a red ball.

ICC playing conditions: Pink ball trial and bad light plan

As understood, a game will start with the red ball as usual. If light becomes

poor, floodlights can be used. The pink ball may then be brought in for the remaining overs. This is meant to keep play going when umpires would otherwise stop the match for light.

An example was outlined to explain the change. A day has 90 overs scheduled. If 75 overs are bowled with the red ball, light may fade. If 15 overs remain, teams could switch to the pink ball. That switch can happen only under lights and only with prior series agreement.

The plan may face resistance in some places, including India. Indian players have often opposed pink ball Tests at home. A part-day switch could also affect match conditions. Some players feel the pink ball can increase seam movement. Whether teams agree to this limited use is yet to be seen.

ICC playing conditions: Coaches on field and T20I timing rules

The ICC also approved allowing head coaches, or chosen staff, onto the field at drinks. The step follows the idea of tactical breaks seen in T20 cricket. Teams can use the scheduled drinks interval to discuss plans. The update also mandates 15-minute intervals in T20Is.

The revised conditions also set expectations at the restart after a break. Batters will need to be ready when play resumes. This is meant to cut delays and help over rates. The ICC did not describe penalties in the note. The change sits alongside other time-related playing condition updates.

ICC playing conditions: Hawk-Eye data for illegal bowling action checks

Another change affects how umpires assess suspected illegal bowling actions. On-field match officials will be able to view Hawk-Eye information. \"Enabling match officials to access Hawk-Eye data when considering reporting an illegal bowling action, the rule states.\" The aim is to support decisions with available tracking data.

ICC playing conditions: Leg-side wides and start date

The Board also approved permanent adoption of the leg-side wides trial. It confirmed a single start date for the full set of updates. All ICC playing conditions will come into force from October 1, 2026. The Board's decisions cover Tests, ODIs, and T20Is under ICC rules.

ICC playing conditions: Cricket Canada suspension and funding controls

The ICC Board decided to suspend Cricket Canada with immediate effect. The action followed claims of corruption and serious breaches of membership duties. The Board said it considered the impact on players. Canadian national teams will still be allowed to take part in ICC events during the suspension period.

Cricket Canada will still access ICC money under a controlled funding system. ICC management will oversee the process, and funds will be limited to approved national team programmes. The ICC will also set reinstatement conditions to address governance and administrative issues. The ICC Normalisation Committee will track progress.

ICC playing conditions: Women's cricket event window changes

The Board also agreed changes for women's events. The ICC Womens Champions Trophy 2027 was moved from June-July to 14-28 February 2027. The ICC will also pilot the Womens Emerging Nations Trophy 2026. It will be a 10-team event with five Full Members and five Associates.

The Board's decisions set out changes across cricket operations and tournaments. Playing condition updates cover bad light plans, coach access, and officiating tools. Governance actions included Cricket Canada's suspension and oversight steps. The women's calendar was also adjusted, including new dates for the 2027 Champions Trophy.