The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka ended in a draw after rain and poor light significantly affected the five-day contest. Nearly 141 overs were lost during the match, with players repeatedly forced to leave the field before the scheduled close of play because of insufficient light.
The fourth day was also affected by rain, while the final day's play ended at 4:18 pm, almost two hours before the scheduled closing time of 6:10 pm.
Pakistan resumed the fifth day with a lead of just 45 runs and one wicket down, leaving little possibility of forcing a result. The hosts eventually batted throughout the day as Saud Shakeel narrowly missed another century, leaving the match heading towards an inevitable draw.
Mike Hesson Says Pink-Ball Tests Need Serious Consideration
Following the frustrating result, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson suggested that playing day Tests with a pink ball could be a practical solution to the country's recurring bad-light problems.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved the use of pink balls in day Test matches, giving teams the option to adopt the format when conditions make traditional red-ball cricket difficult.
Hesson believes Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should discuss the possibility before planning future home Test series.
He said that playing Test cricket during this period of the year would remain challenging across several parts of Pakistan and added that the pink-ball option deserved serious consideration.
Babar Azam Says More Preparation Time Is Required
Pakistan captain Babar Azam also welcomed the possibility of introducing pink-ball Tests but stressed that teams would need sufficient preparation before making the transition.
According to Babar, switching from the traditional red ball to the pink ball requires players to adjust to different playing conditions, and a couple of days of preparation would not be enough.
He explained that the option was beneficial for Pakistan cricket but insisted that proper planning and preparation time would be essential before scheduling such matches.
The possibility of switching to a pink ball was reportedly not discussed for the second and final Test against Sri Lanka, which was moved to Rawalpindi from Lahore because of hazardous smog conditions.
Bad Light Continues to Affect Test Cricket in Pakistan
Weather-related interruptions have become a recurring problem for Test cricket in Pakistan, particularly during the winter months.
In Rawalpindi, the sun sets relatively early during peak winter, making it difficult to complete the scheduled day's play with a red ball. The PCB had already adjusted the starting time of the first Test to 9:30 am, 30 minutes earlier than the usual schedule, in an attempt to recover some lost playing time.
However, starting even earlier is difficult because of overnight dew and moisture in the morning conditions.
A similar situation occurred when Pakistan hosted Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi in December 2019. Rain affected that match heavily, while bad light also reduced playing time during the evening sessions.
England's historic victory against Pakistan during the first Test of their 2022 tour was another example of how floodlights were required to complete play in Rawalpindi.
PCB Facing Challenges in Selecting Test Venues
The PCB has hosted international Test cricket at several venues since the return of international cricket to Pakistan in 2019. However, winter weather conditions have created difficulties in using some of these grounds.
Lahore and Multan often become unsuitable for international cricket during November and December because of heavy smog and dense fog. Even January can present challenges due to poor visibility and early sunsets.
The PCB has previously been forced to change venues because of weather-related concerns. An ODI series against Zimbabwe was shifted from Lahore to Rawalpindi in 2020, while the second Test against New Zealand was moved from Multan to Karachi in 2022.
Karachi generally does not face the same weather-related challenges, but the National Stadium has remained unavailable because of renovation work.
The PCB will also need another suitable venue to host Test cricket during its lengthy home season, which generally runs from October through March.
Pink-Ball Cricket Could Be a Solution for Pakistan
With repeated interruptions affecting the quality and competitiveness of Test matches, introducing pink-ball day Tests could offer Pakistan a practical alternative.
The recent Rawalpindi Test has once again highlighted the difficulties of playing traditional red-ball cricket during the winter months.
While Babar Azam believes players need adequate preparation, Mike Hesson has made it clear that the possibility should be seriously discussed before future home series.
The final decision will depend on the PCB's planning, venue availability and the preparation required to make pink-ball Test cricket a successful option in Pakistan.
