‘Who takes these decisions?’ South African legend angry over ICC’s new rule, said something shocking

Delhi: South Africa’s experienced all-rounder Rassie van der Dussen, who recently bid farewell to international cricket, has expressed his displeasure over a new decision of the ICC. He has reacted sharply to the trial related to the use of pink ball instead of red ball in Test cricket and even said that ICC should stop day-night Test matches completely.

Let us tell you that ICC has recently approved the trial of using pink ball instead of red ball in some circumstances to reduce the problem of bad light in Test matches. The purpose of this decision is to save the match from wasting time and increase the chances of getting a result. However, a debate has started in the cricket world regarding this decision.

Rassie van der Dussen lashed out at ICC

Van der Dussen, while giving his reaction on the social media platform X, raised questions on the ICC’s decision. He said that there is a big difference in the behavior of red ball and pink ball and it is not right to consider both the same.

Who makes these decisions!?
Honestly
There’s a gulf between red and pink balls – ask anyone who’s played with them.
They react and feel completely different.
And while we’re at it, stop day night/pink ball Tests altogether.
It’s just not the same!

— Rassie van der Dussen (@Rassie72) June 1, 2026

they wrote,

‘Who takes these decisions?’

After this he said,

‘There is a huge difference between red and pink ball. Ask anyone who has played with these two balls. The way they both react and feel is completely different.

The South African all-rounder did not stop here. He also raised questions on the existence of day-night test cricket and said that while this topic is being discussed, day-night test matches should also be stopped completely. This is not at all like traditional Test cricket.

Also read: Sydney Thunder appointed great England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff as its head coach.

Why did ICC take this decision?

ICC believes that bad light in Test cricket often disrupts the game, due to which precious time of the match is wasted. To find a solution to this problem, the supreme global body of cricket is considering the use of pink ball instead of red ball with the consent of both the teams.

One of its advantages is that the pink ball is more clearly visible in floodlight light and foggy weather. This is the reason why it is used in day-night test matches. Now ICC wants to see whether it can be used during bad light even in normal Test matches. This experiment will not be seen in the Test series between England and New Zealand starting from June 4 at Lord’s.

Also read: Both red and pink balls will be used in the same match, ICC’s new rule will increase the excitement in the test.

ICC is doing research in collaboration with MCC

ICC has said that it is researching on new ‘lighting technology’ for match referees, umpires and various cricket grounds. The aim of this project is to reduce time loss caused by poor lighting. ICC is also getting support from Marylebone Cricket Club in this research and both the organizations are jointly funding this project.

A new debate may start in the cricket world

It is clear from Rassie van der Dussen’s reaction that this proposal of ICC is not going to get the support of all the players. Many former and current cricketers have already given different opinions regarding pink ball and day-night test.

Now it will be interesting to see whether ICC takes this trial forward or looks for a new solution keeping in mind the reactions of players and experts.