The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a series of significant decisions following its Board meetings held in Ahmedabad, India, aimed at strengthening governance, promoting women’s cricket, enhancing competition structures, and addressing the growing influence of franchise cricket worldwide.

Among the key regulatory changes approved by the ICC Board is the trial use of a pink ball in Test matches, subject to agreement between both participating teams, to help maximise playing time in conditions affected by poor light. The Board also approved research into advanced lighting technology for match officials and venues, with the ICC jointly funding research and development projects alongside the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

The ICC further approved the use of Hawk-Eye data by match officials when considering reports of illegal bowling actions. Several updates to playing conditions were also endorsed, including allowing head coaches or designated representatives to communicate with teams during scheduled drinks intervals, introducing mandatory 15-minute intervals in T20 Internationals, and requiring batters to be ready when play resumes.

The successful trial of leg-side wides has now been adopted permanently, while all remaining MCC Law changes will come into effect from October 1, 2026.

In a major boost for women’s cricket, the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 has been rescheduled from June-July to February 14-28, 2027. The Board also approved the launch of the ICC 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, to be hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) with India’s matches to be played at a neutral venue, was also finalised. The tournament will feature 12 teams, with automatic qualification for 10 teams and the remaining two places to be decided through a Global Qualifier.

For Associate Members, the Board approved the establishment of a Global Qualifier for future ICC Men’s T20 World Cups and directed management to develop a qualification structure for a 16-team qualifying competition.

In a significant governance decision, the ICC Board suspended Cricket Canada with immediate effect due to serious breaches of membership obligations. However, Canadian national teams will remain eligible to participate in ICC events during the suspension period. The ICC will continue funding national team programmes through a controlled mechanism and has outlined conditions that Cricket Canada must fulfil to regain full membership status.

The Board also reviewed developments in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. ICC representatives are scheduled to engage with stakeholders in Bangladesh regarding the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s electoral process, while ICC officials have already met stakeholders in Sri Lanka to assess ongoing developments there.

Addressing concerns over the rapid expansion of franchise cricket, the ICC Board resolved to establish a committee to examine how franchise leagues can be better harmonised with the international cricket calendar.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah said the discussions reflected the governing body’s commitment to strong governance and the global growth of the sport. He noted that the decisions taken on women’s cricket, emerging nations, governance, and franchise competitions are intended to ensure cricket remains fair, competitive, and engaging for fans around the world.