The drawn Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, marked by halted sessions due to poor light and rain, has prompted calls for the consideration of pink ball usage in day Tests. Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, and coach Mike Hesson have both expressed openness to this change in future series.
Across the five days, nearly 141 overs were lost. Play often had to conclude early due to diminishing light, apart from the fourth day, which was curtailed in the afternoon due to rain. Even before the rain, the umpires had to intervene as the light became insufficient for safe play with the red ball. This inevitable draw became apparent when Pakistan resumed the final day with a slim lead over Sri Lanka and just one wicket down. The match ended prematurely at 4:18pm, hours before the intended finish, after Saud Shakeel was dismissed in the 90s once again.
In response to the frequent loss of overs caused by poor light, the ICC recently sanctioned the use of pink balls in day Tests. Mike Hesson has voiced support for this option, saying, “It is certainly something that needs to be talked about for the future series.” Given the seasonal challenges of playing in Pakistan, the option of day Tests with pink balls warrants serious consideration, particularly in light of the ICC’s recent approval.
Despite the ICC’s decision, a switch to pink balls was not pursued for the upcoming second Test against Sri Lanka, which was moved to Rawalpindi from Lahore due to smog. Babar Azam felt the preparation time was inadequate for adapting to the pink ball. He remarked, “You will need to prepare for it as we usually play with the red ball. A couple of days are not enough to prepare to play a Test with the pink ball.”
The premature sunsets during Rawalpindi’s winter months complicate finishing play on schedule. In anticipation, the PCB had already set this Test’s start time earlier than normal. Historical patterns reflect similar disruptions; the December 2019 Test against Sri Lanka and even England’s 2022 win both faced light-related issues.
Since cricket’s return to Pakistan in 2019, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, and Karachi have hosted Test matches. However, Lahore and Multan are unsuitable during winter due to smog and fog. Karachi remains the only city without such weather concerns, but its stadium is currently under renovation with an uncertain completion timeline.
These logistical hurdles necessitate a second viable venue for half of the home season. The PCB has been forced to adjust schedules in the past, including relocating a 2020 ODI series and a 2022 Test series due to weather-related concerns, indicating a persistent need for adaptive planning in Pakistan’s cricket scheduling.
