New Delhi: The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to allow Test matches to switch from a red ball to a pink ball when bad light stops play has sparked debate among players and experts.
While supporters argue the move could reduce weather-related interruptions and help produce more results, particularly in World Test Championship matches, critics say the two balls behave differently and could affect the balance of the contest.
Here is why the ICC is considering the trial, how the pink ball became part of Test cricket, and the concerns surrounding the proposed change.
According to the ICC, the pink ball under the stadium lights could allow matches to continue safely and increase the chance of better results for the teams, crucially in World Test Championship (WTC) matches.
Why a pink ball?
The pink ball was specifically introduced for day-night test cricket because it remains more visible under artificial lights than the traditionally used red balls.
The day-night concept was mooted in the late 2000s and authorities experimented with different coloured balls, including yellow, orange and pink, before eventually settling on pink balls as a practical alternative.
The first day-night Test using the pink ball was between Australia and New Zealand in Adelaide in 2015 .
Since then, day-night tests have regularly used the pink ball in Australia.
India and the pink ball
Initially, India was a little hesitant to accept pink ball cricket due to the anxiety over the ball’s endurance in reverse swing and conditions of evening dew.
After a debut match with a pink ball in the 2016 Duleep Trophy, India ended up hosting its first pink ball Test in Kolkata in 2019. Thereafter, there have been plenty of day-night matches.
Concerns over the pink ball
Opinion on the pink ball’s behaviour are mixed. The seam movement has been one of the factors pointed out by players and experts. The visibility, wear factor, and swing of the ball are other differences pointed out.
Rassie van der Dussen, South African batter, has questioned the decision, saying the pink ball “reacts and feels completely different”.
Gautam Gambhir’s thoughts
Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir backed the ICC’s decision to conduct the pink ball trial, saying the priority should be the possibility of a better result.
He said the ICC’s move was “proactive” and “positive” though he accepted that changing balls mid-way through a match could create its own challenges for players.
What happens next?
The pink ball is still in a trial phase. Teams must agree to the red-to-pink swap before it can be implemented in a tournament.
The ICC’s trial is primarily about solving one of Test cricket’s longstanding problems—losing playing time despite modern floodlights. It is likely to be a test of whether the trade-off between fairness and practicality is achievable.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
Also read: Gambhir backs ICC’s red-to-pink ball switch to avoid bad light disrupting Test results