New Delhi: Head Coach of India Gautam Gambhir has thrown its weight behind a new ICC rule allowing the use of pink balls under floodlights in red-ball matches hampered by poor lighting, calling it a “proactive” and “positive” move that could prevent teams from missing out on crucial results.Speaking ahead of India’s only Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, Gambhir said that the organizers of the game should do everything possible to ensure that the matches reach a conclusion, especially when the stakes are high.“I like it. In fact, I have always believed that if there is a chance to get a result, you should always take that chance,” Gambhir said when asked about the rule change.The Indian coach hinted at the possibility of teams missing out on qualification due to the World Test Championship and weather-related constraints.“Imagine if you are playing the last Test match before the final of the World Test Championship and you have a chance to win that Test match and qualify. And if it’s not happening because of bad light, I’m all for it.”‘How unfair can it be?’Gambhir admitted that changing from the red ball to the pink ball during Tests could pose challenges for the players, but felt that the larger objective of preserving results outweighed the difficulties.“I know it can be a bit unfair and difficult for the Test match players. But imagine two years of hard work and the last Test match before the final of the World Test Championship. How unfair can it be if you don’t play for five days because of bad luck?”“So I think it’s a proactive move. It’s a positive move and hopefully teams will start taking it in a positive way.”‘Every player has value. Test cricket‘Gambhir also dismissed the notion that an individual or a handful of players could revive Test cricket, insisting that every generation of cricketers has valued the format.“I don’t give it, everyone does,” he said. Test cricket cannot live or survive because of any individual. Everyone in the dressing room values him. Regardless of the players who have played before me, who will play after me, everyone wants to do well in Test cricket.The former India opener asserted that every Test is of equal importance, regardless of the opposition or the implications of the World Test Championship.He added that there are many young players in the dressing room and they should value every Test match. Very few people get the opportunity to play Test cricket and it is a great honor to represent India in this format.
What is the new ICC rule on the pink ball?
To reduce time lost due to poor lighting, the ICC has approved a trial that allows teams to switch from the traditional red ball to the pink ball and continue playing under floodlights.However, the change cannot be enforced by the umpires. Both teams must agree on the switch before the start of the match. If poor natural light disrupts play and the venue has adequate floodlights, a pink ball may be introduced to ensure no overs are lost.The trial aims to reduce frustrating stoppages and increase the chances of Test matches producing results, especially in an era where every World Test Championship point can be decisive.
