The International Cricket Council has approved a trial allowing pink balls to be used in daytime Test matches, part of a set of playing-condition changes that came into effect for series starting October 1, 2026.

The pink ball may be used only if both teams agree before the match starts, and the choice then applies for the whole game with no switching allowed. The move aims to reduce time lost to bad light. ICC Men’s Cricket Committee chair Sourav Ganguly said the changes keep playing conditions aligned with the modern game.

The ICC also introduced penalties for time-wasting by batters in men’s cricket. A batter not ready to face within the stipulated time gets a warning, then a final warning, with five penalty runs to the fielding side from the third offence.

Other changes include the final over of a day’s play continuing after a wicket falls, permanent adoption of leg-side wides in limited-overs cricket, and coaches being allowed onto the field during drinks breaks in ODIs and T20Is.