Babar and Hesson weigh pink-ball switch for Pakistan Tests
- Babar Azam and Mike Hesson are open to using pink balls for day Tests.
- The move aims to address frequent weather and light-related delays.
- The first Test in Rawalpindi saw 141 overs lost to rain and bad light.
- ICC regulations now permit the use of pink balls in day Test matches.
- Preparation time and morning dew remain significant challenges for the PCB.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam and head coach Mike Hesson have expressed openness to using pink balls for day Test matches in Pakistan to mitigate recurring weather and light-related delays. This shift is under consideration as the team looks to address significant time lost during recent fixtures.
Babar stated that the potential use of the pink ball "seriously needs to be considered". Hesson also supports the use of the pink ball for the second Test match against Pakistan.
Hesson noted that "It is certainly something that needs to be talked about for the future series". He added that "It is going to be a challenge to play Test matches in this time of the year regardless of where in Pakistan".
According to Hesson, "As the ICC have now allowed that to be an option, this is something that seriously needs to be considered before the series". The proposed change comes as the team faces recurring weather and light disruptions.
Rawalpindi Test marred by 141 overs lost to bad light
The recent Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi ended in a draw after nearly 141 overs were lost to bad light and rain. Only three innings were completed over the five-day match.
The support for shifting to a pink ball follows this weather washout in Rawalpindi. Pakistan batter Saud Shakeel was dismissed in the 90s during both innings of the game.
Preparation time remains a hurdle for pink-ball transition
Pakistan captain Babar Azam expressed openness to using the pink ball but noted that teams require more than a couple of days of preparation to adapt from the standard red ball. Azam stated, "the preparation for a pink ball Test demands more time".
The pink ball was not considered for the second Test against Sri Lanka because the match was relocated from Lahore to Rawalpindi due to hazardous smog, which left only three days for preparation.
In other cricket news, Gautam Gambhir expressed support for the inexperienced Indian bowling attack following a 244-run defeat, saying "good days will come, bad days will pass".
Smog and fog force PCB to relocate Test matches
The Pakistan Cricket Board faces scheduling challenges for its home season, which runs from October to March. Hazardous levels of smog forced the relocation of the second Test against Sri Lanka from Lahore to Rawalpindi, as reported by Cricinfo and NDTV on November 13, 2026.
Lahore and Multan are often unsuitable for Test cricket during November and December because of dense fog and smog. Weather factors including early sunsets, fading light, smog, and fog frequently disrupt play at these venues during this time of year.
Early morning starts prove impractical due to dew
The PCB attempted to start the Rawalpindi Test at 9:30 am, which was 30 minutes earlier than the standard time, to compensate for evening light loss.
This attempt proved impractical due to overnight dew and early morning moisture.
Karachi stadium renovation limits venue options
The National Stadium in Karachi is currently unavailable for Test cricket due to ongoing renovation work. This limits the board's venue options during its home season.
PCB has history of relocating matches due to weather
The PCB has a history of relocating matches due to weather conditions. This includes an ODI series against Zimbabwe in 2020 and a Test match against New Zealand in 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 'Seriously needs to be considered' - Babar, Hesson open to pink-ball switch for Tests (cricinfo.com)
- Pink Ball In Day Tests? Pakistan Head Coach Mike Hesson Says PCB Must Explore Option | Cricket News (sports.ndtv.com)
- Mike Hesson backs pink-ball option for second Pakistan Test after Rawalpindi weather washout (aninews.in)
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