The International Cricket Council approved a new trial allowing Test sides to switch from the traditional red ball to a pink ball in daytime matches where poor light threatens to halt play. The decision emerged from the board meeting in Ahmedabad and includes a research program on stadium lighting to curb lost overs.

Under the trial, teams must agree to the pink ball before a match starts, mirroring the equipment used in day‑night Tests. The move follows criticism that the red ball becomes hard to see as daylight fades, a problem that has repeatedly forced interruptions. Officials also cleared coaches to enter the field during drinks breaks in ODIs and T20Is, a practice already common in franchise leagues.

The ICC also adopted several ancillary changes: granting officials Hawk‑Eye access for bowling‑action reviews, enforcing 15‑minute intervals in T20Is, and cementing the leg‑side wides trial. With 25 day‑night Tests played to date, the new flexibility could reshape scheduling and reduce rain‑related disruptions, giving hosts more control over match outcomes.