ICC Unveils New Rule Aimed at Minimising Bad Light Delays in Tests
The ICC has unveiled a new trial which could help to reduce bad light delays in Tests. A pink ball will be used when bad light is detected to ensure that the match continues. If this happens, it could help the board to reduce match stoppages to a great extent.
A high profile ICC meeting took place last night at Ahmedabad, and it was attended by the board members of various cricket councils around the world. While a number of discussions took place in the same, one was even linked to the longest format of the game.
In the Test format, the bad light delays were the most frustrating. The matches were stopped several overs before the end time, as soon as the umpires suspected that the light was not good enough to play. And to counter the same, the ICC has started a new trial which could help to reduce the bad light delays to a great extent.
The new trial which has been introduced is the usage of a pink ball whenever a bad light is detected. But for the same, the agreement of both teams will be taken right before the match or series commence. If they agree, the trials will take place smoothly, and we could witness a Test match played with two different balls.
Our Take
This is a great move by the ICC to ensure that the overs get completed in the Test match. Bad light delays have caused various matches to remain incomplete, and it is quite frustrating for the side which is dominating. If the pink ball is being used with the consent of both teams, it will be beneficial to complete the day and also ensure that the audience gets the worth of the ticket prices they paid to watch the game.