ICC Suspends Cricket Canada, Approves Pink-Ball Trial at Board Meeting The International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended Cricket Canada’s membership with immediate effect following allegations of "serious breaches" of its obligations, according to a statement released during the ICC Board meeting in Ahmedabad on May 31. The decision was part of a broader set of resolutions aimed at addressing governance, administrative reforms, and evolving playing conditions in international cricket. While the suspension was imposed, the ICC confirmed that Canadian national teams would continue to participate in ICC events and receive funding through a controlled mechanism to avoid adverse impacts on players. Cricket Canada was also given a set of reinstatement conditions to address governance and administrative shortcomings, with progress monitored by the ICC’s Normalisation Committee. A key decision at the meeting was the approval of a trial for using pink balls in conventional Test matches under specific conditions. The proposal allows teams to switch from traditional red balls to pink balls during Tests when poor light is anticipated, aiming to reduce delays caused by visibility issues. The ICC emphasized that both participating teams must agree to the switch, and the move follows earlier reports by Cricbuzz about the proposal. The ICC also confirmed plans to collaborate with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) on research into lighting technology to further minimize interruptions from poor weather conditions. The board also approved the establishment of a Global Qualifier for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, tasked with finalizing the competition structure and qualification pathway for a 16-team qualifier.#icc #ahmedabad #mcc #cricket_canada #cricket_canada_suspension
