ICC approves major changes to cricket rules

Abu Dhabi (Web Desk):The International Cricket Council (International Cricket Council) has approved a series of significant changes to international cricket rules.

According to reports, the ICC board has cleared multiple recommendations aimed at modernising the game and improving match conditions across all formats.

One of the key experimental measures includes the possible use of the pink ball in Test matches affected by poor light conditions.

Under the new proposal, matches facing visibility issues may be allowed to continue with a pink ball instead of the traditional red ball, subject to prior agreement between both teams.

The ICC believes this step could help reduce interruptions caused by bad light and allow more overs to be played under floodlights.

In addition to this, the ICC has also approved changes in limited-overs cricket, allowing head coaches or designated support staff to enter the field during drinks breaks to communicate directly with players.

The governing body has also fixed a 15-minute innings interval in T20 Internationals, along with updated guidelines for umpiring decisions related to wides, particularly when batters change their position in the crease.

Furthermore, match officials will now have access to Hawk-Eye data in suspected bowling action cases, aiming to improve transparency and accuracy in reporting.

Cricket analysts say these reforms represent a major step toward modernising the sport, improving consistency in decision-making, and aligning international cricket with technological advancements.