Karachi, May 23, 2026: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering several significant amendments to the playing conditions across all three formats of cricket following discussions during its virtual Chief Executives Committee (CEC) meeting held on Thursday.
According to reports, one of the most notable proposals under consideration is the introduction of pink-ball usage during conventional Test matches in cases of weather interruptions, allowing play to continue under floodlights.
Under the proposed amendment, teams could switch from the traditional red ball to a pink ball during a Test match, subject to mutual agreement between both sides. Reports suggested that consent for such a switch would need to be obtained before the start of a series.
If approved during the upcoming ICC Board meeting scheduled for May 30, the proposed rule is expected to come into effect from October 1 this year.
Coaches may be allowed on field during ODI drinks breaks
The ICC CEC also discussed permitting head coaches to enter the field during drinks breaks in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
Currently, under existing ODI playing conditions, only substitute players are allowed onto the field during drinks intervals.
Two drinks breaks are permitted in each ODI innings, usually scheduled approximately one hour and 10 minutes apart. If the proposed amendment is approved, head coaches would be able to communicate directly with players twice during an innings.
T20I innings break may be reduced
The apex cricket body also considered shortening the innings interval in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) from 20 minutes to 15 minutes.
Under the current playing conditions, a 20-minute interval is mandatory between innings, beginning from the call of time before the break until the resumption of play.
The proposed reduction is aimed at streamlining match schedules and improving broadcast efficiency.
HawkEye access for umpires also under consideration
Another proposal discussed during the meeting involved granting on-field umpires access to HawkEye technology data to monitor bowlers suspected of illegal bowling actions during matches.
The move is reportedly part of the ICC’s broader effort to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and crack down on bowlers with suspect actions.
