Pink Ball Cricket: Modernizing the Classic Test Format

Cricket throughout its history, has gone through numerous transformations and innovations that have made the game more intriguing and exciting. The advent of the T20 cricket format and the newer T10 leagues have boosted the growth of sport throughout the globe. But all sports lovers can agree that the oldest, the greatest format, test matches still have the charm and excitement that every sport lover demands. 

Last updated: October 6, 2026

But one revolution that has taken the sporting world by storm and capitalizes on the popularity of the test format is pink ball cricket matches. As the sun sets, the luminous pink orb takes center stage, transforming the game into a mesmerizing spectacle under floodlights. In this chapter of ZAP Know the Game, let’s delve deep and understand the dynamics of this format.  

Introduction of Day Night Test Matches:

The concept of day and night Test matches emerged as a response to declining attendances and television viewership for Test cricket. The International Cricket Council (ICC) recognized the need to adapt to modern lifestyles and engage a broader audience. Day and night matches are just normal games but are played partially or entirely during the evening and night time. Traditional games are played from the morning till evening, but unlike them, pink ball cricket matches are played under floodlights, and extend playing hours beyond daylight. Day and night games are scheduled to start in the afternoon and continue until late evening, with a break for dinner.

The First Day and Night Test Match:

The first ever pink ball test match was played between Australia and New Zealand at the Adelaide Oval in November 2015. The introduction of this format provided a rejuvenated appeal to the game. The Australian side had defeated New Zealand by three wickets, making history as the first team to triumph in this version of the game.

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For India, we played the first ever match with a pink ball against Bangladesh on 22nd November 2019 in Kolkata. The day is considered to be a historic day in Indian Cricket, as the entire city of Kolkata was bathed in the unique colour to celebrate the event!

Credit: ABP News

Growing Popularity and Acceptance:

For a nation like India, where limited overs forms, especially T20, have negatively impacted the longest format in terms of popularity, pink ball has provided good news for test match lovers, and an opportunity to get better at the longest format of the game. Veterans of the sport have frequently mentioned that playing the pink ball is difficult for the batsmen. It’s an exciting contest to watch, because the earlier time of the game could favour the batsmen, but once the twilight hits and the floodlights are on, bowlers surely have the upper hand.

Advantages 

1. Attracting large Crowds:

The introduction of this version of the longest format is super exciting. The battle between the bat and ball during the twilight is an exciting contest. On top of this, people tune in more to watch these matches because of the freedom of time that they have. Traditional contests took place during the work hours, but day night matches solve this issue, leading to more people tuning in. 

2. Broadening global reach:

The popularity of the pink ball Test matches has grown not only in India but also internationally. A wider global audience has resulted from cricket fans from many nations being drawn to the format's distinctiveness and excitement. In order to meet the rising demand, cricket boards all over the world are actively considering adding day-night Test games to their schedules.

Disadvantage:

1. Impact on the traditional format

Day and night matches have become wildly popular thanks to the thrill it gives its followers. But others in the field and sports purists continue to think that the newer version may overshadow the significance of red ball cricket, which has a lengthy history and significance in the game. To maintain the general integrity of the longest format, higher authorities must ultimately find a compromise between the two versions of the format.

2. Differences in the behaviour of the balls:

Pink, white and red balls, are all manufactured with a different process and that’s the reason both behave differently under the same condition. For some people, this might come as a challenge to prove their mettle and conquer both types, but for some this might be an element that adds inconsistency to the sport. 

Pink Ball vs Red Ball vs White Ball: the practical difference

The biggest practical difference is visibility and intended match use. Red balls are traditional for Test cricket, white balls are standard in limited-overs cricket, and pink balls were developed so longer-format cricket can continue more clearly through twilight and under floodlights.

Construction details such as lacquer, seam colour and finishing can vary by manufacturer and match specification. It is better not to assume that every pink, red or white ball has one universal coating, seam material or swing behaviour.

Visibility, swing and seam

Twilight can be one of the most challenging periods in pink-ball cricket because visual contrast changes quickly as natural light fades and floodlights take over. Movement through the air and off the seam is influenced by the ball's condition, surface, atmosphere, pitch, bowler skill and match situation. Colour alone does not create a fixed hierarchy in which one ball must always swing more than another.

Spin and surface behaviour

Spinners can still get turn, bounce and drift with a pink ball, but there is no universal rule that the pink ball inherently provides more assistance simply because of its seam colour or material.

For the broader colour-by-colour comparison, read our Red vs White vs Pink Cricket Balls guide.

Pink-ball cricket in 2026

Pink balls are no longer limited only to conventional day-night Tests. From October 2026, ICC playing conditions also allow a pink ball in a daytime Test when both teams agree, primarily as an option where bad light is expected to threaten playing time. Day-night Tests remain the format most closely associated with the pink ball.

FAQs:

Q- How did day-night test matches come into existence?

Day night test matches were introduced to rejuvenate the longest format of the game and appeal to the larger contemporary audience, without which the popularity of this version of the game was dropping. 

Q- Do day-night test matches favor bowlers or batsmen?

The format has a unique set of challenges for both batsmen and bowlers. For batters, adapting to the changing light conditions and proper shot selection is a must. For bowlers, using swing to their advantage to dismiss batsmen is an exciting opportunity. 

Q- What does the future hold for day-night test matches?

Pink ball cricket appears to have a bright future because to its broad adoption by cricket-playing nations. Day-night matches' future and position within the sport will be shaped by continued advancements in ball technology, addressing concerns, and finding a balance between tradition and innovation.