Cricketers are not tickled pink by the new coloured ball

ObjectivesCricket administrators have started scheduling long-form matches which finish at night and are played with a pink as opposed to red ball. However, there reports that the ball may introduce new dangers alter performance. The aim of this study was investigate professional cricketers’ opinions about visibility whilst playing in different lighting conditions (afternoon, dusk night).DesignPurposeful sampling cross-section elite cricketers experiences United Kingdom.MethodsEighty-eight international or first-class completed questionnaire consisting Likert scale free text responses questions covering perceptions ball, particular emphasis on visibility.ResultsThe reported less visible than when batting (p < 0.001) fielding 0.001). Within three significantly under floodlights compared afternoon both (ps Free comments confirmed cricket most challenging (coverage 0.37), players sometimes experienced blurring sensation leaving visual ‘trail’ viewed 0.24).ConclusionsResults advocate governing bodies should consider inclusion break play during enhance player safety Empirical research is needed quantify risks conditions.