ICC board meeting approves new playing conditions, key decisions made on women's cricket

Among the key changes approved by the ICC Board was the introduction of a trial allowing the use of a pink ball in Test matches, subject to agreement between both teams, to maximize playing time in conditions where bad light is expected. 

The Board also endorsed research into advanced lighting technology for match officials and venues, with the ICC partnering with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to co-fund research and development projects. 

Match officials will now be permitted to access Hawk-Eye data when assessing potentially illegal bowling actions, while updates to playing conditions will allow head coaches or their representatives to communicate with players during scheduled drinks breaks. 

The ICC also approved mandatory 15-minute intervals in T20 internationals and permanent adoption of the leg-side wides trial. All remaining MCC Law changes will come into effect from October 1, 2026. 

In women’s cricket, the ICC confirmed that the Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 has been moved from its original June-July window to February 14-28, 2027. 

The Board also approved the inaugural Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026, a 10-team tournament featuring five Full Members and five Associate Members. 

The qualification pathway for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028 was also finalized. The tournament, which will be hosted by Pakistan with India’s matches scheduled at a neutral venue, will feature 12 teams.

Ten teams will qualify automatically, while the remaining two spots will be decided through a Global Qualifier.

The Board further approved the creation of a Global Qualifier for future ICC Men’s T20 World Cups. ICC management has been tasked with developing a qualification structure for a 16-team qualifying tournament, with further details expected at upcoming ICC meetings. 

A major governance decision saw Cricket Canada suspended from ICC membership with immediate effect due to serious breaches of its membership obligations. 

However, Canadian national teams will remain eligible to compete in ICC events during the suspension period. The ICC will oversee a controlled funding mechanism to support national team programs while Cricket Canada works to meet reinstatement conditions set by the Board. 

The ICC also provided updates on governance matters in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. ICC representatives are scheduled to visit Bangladesh to engage with stakeholders regarding ongoing issues, including the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s electoral process.

In Sri Lanka, ICC officials have already met relevant stakeholders to assess developments in the country’s cricket administration. 

Concerned by the rapid expansion of franchise cricket around the world, the Board resolved to establish a committee to examine how franchise competitions can be better aligned with the international cricket calendar. 

ICC Chairman Jay Shah said the discussions in Ahmedabad reflected the governing body’s commitment to strengthening governance, administration and the global growth of the sport. 

He added that the decisions taken would help ensure cricket remains fair, competitive and exciting for fans around the world.