The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved several changes to the rules and regulations of international cricket. The decisions were made during the ICC Board meeting in Ahmedabad over the weekend.
On Saturday and Sunday, the ICC held its Annual Board Meeting on the sidelines of the IPL 2026 Final, where the Royal Challengers Bengaluru defended their IPL title from last year.
This meeting was originally scheduled to be held in Doha towards the end of March this year. But the war-like conditions in the Middle East forced the governing body to postpone the meeting and relocate it to Ahmedabad.
ICC approves pink-ball trials for Test matches
The major rule change made by the ICC during its meeting was to allow the trial of pink balls even during regular-day Tests. Currently, the pink ball is only used in day-night Tests, with day Tests being played with a red ball as always.
Now, the ICC has approved a new regulation where the red ball would be swapped out for a pink one even during day Tests. The swap would only take place if bad light persists, and only if both teams agree to do so before the series.
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ICC Board Approved Regulations & Playing Condition Changes
| Change | Summary |
| Pink Ball in Tests | Teams can mutually agree to use a pink ball in Tests when poor light is expected. |
| Better Lighting Solutions | ICC and MCC will support research to reduce play interruptions caused by bad light. |
| Hawk-Eye Access | Officials can use Hawk-Eye data when reviewing suspect bowling actions. |
| Coach Interaction | Coaches will be allowed to communicate with players during official drinks breaks. |
| T20I Interval Rule | A fixed 15-minute break will be compulsory in T20 internationals. |
| Batters' Readiness | Batters must be ready immediately when play resumes after intervals. |
| Leg-side Wides | The leg-side wides experiment has been made a permanent rule. |
| MCC Law Updates | Latest MCC law changes will be implemented from October 1, 2026. |
| Challenge League Status | Challenge League teams can continue playing other List A matches during the tournament cycle. |
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