NEW DELHI: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has thrown his weight behind the ICC’s new regulation allowing the use of a pink ball under floodlights in red-ball matches interrupted by bad light, calling it a “proactive” and “positive” move that could prevent teams from being denied crucial results.Speaking ahead of India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, Gambhir said the game’s administrators must do everything possible to ensure that matches reach a conclusion, especially when stakes are high.“I love that. In fact, I’ve always believed that if there’s an opportunity to get a result, you should always have that opportunity,” Gambhir said when asked about the rule change.The India coach pointed to the World Test Championship and the possibility of teams missing out on qualification because of weather-related interruptions.“Imagine if you’re playing the last Test match before the World Test Championship final and you have the chance to win that Test match and qualify. And if because of bad light it’s not happening, I’m all for it.”‘How unfair could that be?’Gambhir acknowledged that switching from a red ball to a pink ball during a Test could pose challenges for players, but felt the larger objective of preserving results outweighed the difficulties.“I know it could be a little unfair and difficult for the players playing the Test match. But imagine working hard for two years and the last Test match before the World Test Championship final. If you don’t play five days because of bad luck, how unfair could that be?”“So I think it’s a proactive move. It’s a positive move and hopefully the teams will start taking it in a positive way.”‘Every player values Test cricket‘Gambhir also dismissed the notion that one individual or a handful of players could revive Test cricket, insisting that every generation of cricketers has attached immense value to the format.“I don’t give it. Everyone gives it. Test cricket cannot survive or revive because of an individual,” he said. “Everyone in the dressing room gives it importance. All the players who have played before me, who will play after me, everyone wants to do well in Test cricket.”The former India opener stressed that every Test carries equal significance, regardless of opposition or World Test Championship implications.“There are a lot of 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 honour to represent India in this format,” he added.
What is the new ICC rule on pink ball?
To minimise time lost because of bad light, the ICC has approved a trial that allows teams to switch from the traditional red ball to a pink ball and continue play under floodlights.However, the change cannot be enforced by the umpires. Both teams must agree to the switch before the start of the match. If poor natural light interrupts play and the venue has adequate floodlights, the pink ball can be introduced to ensure overs are not lost.The trial aims to reduce frustrating stoppages and increase the chances of Test matches producing results, particularly in an era where every World Test Championship point can prove decisive.
