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The game of cricket has evolved over the years. In modern times, the game has tilted towards the batsmen as the pitches mostly favor the batsmen, and bowling has been a difficult part of the game in the contemporary world. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made many changes in the game and now more changes will be made in it.
The apex body has approved the change from red to pink ball to reduce the impact of bad light in Test cricket. This is a serious change to the traditional format of the game. He has given the go-ahead to the trial of changing from red ball to pink ball before the start of the Test, which is likely to be affected by bad light, subject to the prior approval of both the participating teams.
The ICC also said it would research lighting technology for match officials and venues to reduce loss of play due to poor lighting, with the ICC co-funding R&D projects with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). Ahead of the trial run, former South African batsman Rassie van der Dussen has revealed his verdict on the change on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
There is a difference between red and pink balls – Rassie Van der Dussen
The former Proteas batsman has indirectly taken a dig at Jay Shah and other board members over the decision to change the red ball to pink ball. He has said that there is a lot of difference between the two balls, and the movement and playing style of both the balls is also completely different.
Who makes these decisions!?
honestly ???
There is a difference between red and pink balls – ask anyone who has played with them.
They react and feel completely different.
And while we’re at it, let’s stop the day night/pink ball test altogether.
It’s not the same! https://t.co/3NSkRv9k3y
— Rassie van der Dussen (@Rassie72) June 1, 2026
Rasi tweeted, “Who makes these decisions!? Honestly. There is a difference between red and pink balls – ask anyone who has played with them. They react and feel completely different. And while we’re at it, let’s stop the day/night/pink ball test altogether. It’s just not the same!”
Will bowlers have the upper hand in Test cricket?
Until now, pink balls have been used only for day-night Test matches, which are also regularly played in Australia and nowhere else. Day/night Test matches have taken place in many parts of the country, but the Australian team has played Test matches the most number of times in the history of the game.
As a result, it will be exciting to see how many teams participate in the trial runs, especially since ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points are at stake. The pink ball has a history of favoring seam bowlers while hitters struggle, especially in twilight.
ICC’s new rules
Additionally, a new rule has been introduced as per ICC rules, which will allow head coaches and selected staff to enter the field of play during drinks intervals to speak with their players. This was not allowed in international cricket. Previously, messages could only be communicated by players running around carrying beverages.
But it has become common in franchise T20 tournaments like the IPL, when coaches interact with their players during strategic timeouts. The apex body has also informed that now in the shortest format of the game, the break between innings will be of 15 minutes, and the batsmen will have to be ready when play resumes.
Also read: Melbourne Stars and Renegades will become one team under major changes in BBL
