ICC okays day-night Test matches with coloured balls

DUBAI: The ICC on Monday granted approval to the day/night Test matches while leaving the member Boards to decide on the type and colour of the ball to be used, as it announced new playing conditions for Tests, ODIs and T20 internationals ahead of Sri Lanka-New Zealand series beginning Tuesday.

Some countries, including Australia and England, have been experimenting day/night Test matches for some time and with the ICC's decision on Monday, the longest format of the game may be held under lights very soon.

"Participating countries may agree to play day/night Test matches. The home and visiting boards will decide on the hours of play which will be six hours of scheduled play per day while the two boards will also decide on the precise brand, type and colour of ball to be used for the match," the ICC said in a statement.

The world body announced a slew of changes in the playing conditions, including powerplays, fielding restrictions and short-pitched deliveries in the ODIs, Decision Review System (in Tests and ODIs), no-ball, dead ball, over-rates, applicable in all the formats and changes in one over-per-side Eliminator in T20Is.

"The new playing conditions for Tests, ODIs and Twenty20 internationals will come into effect with the series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, which starts in Pallekele on Tuesday 30 October. The amendments have been approved by the ICC Board following proposals made by the ICC Cricket Committee at its meeting in London in May," it said.