India head coach Gautam Gambhir has supported the ICC’s new proposal to use a pink ball in Test matches affected by poor light. The move is aimed at reducing interruptions and helping teams get results in five-day matches.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently approved a trial for the new rule. Under the proposal, Test matches will begin with the traditional red ball. However, if bad light becomes an issue during the game, floodlights can be turned on and the match can continue with a pink ball. The switch will only happen if both teams agree before the start of the match.
The new regulation is expected to come into effect from October 1. The ICC believes the change can help avoid unnecessary stoppages and ensure more playing time.
Gautam Gambhir Supports ICC new the Move
Speaking ahead of India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan, Gambhir welcomed the proposal. He said getting a result should always be a priority in Test cricket.
“I love that. The reason is that I always believe that if there is an opportunity to get a result, you should always have that opportunity,” Gambhir said.
India will face Afghanistan in a one-off Test in Mullanpur starting on June 6. Although the match is not part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, discussions around the ICC’s pink-ball trial have gained attention.
Gambhir also pointed to the importance of avoiding bad-light interruptions in crucial matches. India will host the next Border-Gavaskar Trophy in February-March. The third Test will be played in Guwahati, while the final Test will take place in Ranchi. Both cities often experience early sunsets during that time of the year.
“Imagine if you are playing the last Test before the World Test Championship final and you have the chance to win that Test and qualify. Because of bad light, it isn’t happening,” Gambhir said.
“I am all for it if there is an opportunity to get the result and both the teams agree to it. I know it could be a little uncertain or difficult for the players playing the Test, but imagine working hard for two years and it is the last Test before the World Test Championship final,” he added.
