Additionally, the ICC plans to research lighting technology to help match officials and venues minimize play interruptions caused by poor lighting. They will co-fund research and development projects with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). The ICC Board also approved a new rule allowing head coaches or designated staff to enter the field during scheduled drink breaks in ODIs and T20Is to talk with players. This practice was not allowed in international cricket before, where players could only relay messages by running drinks. However, it is common in franchise T20 leagues like the IPL. In T20 internationals, the break between innings will be set at 15 minutes, and batters must be ready when play resumes. In 2025, the ICC began trials to give bowlers more flexibility on leg side wide calls, and they have decided to permanently use guidelines to help umpires make these calls, especially when batters move in their crease. For bowlers with suspect actions, the ICC will assist match officials in accessing Hawk-Eye data when deciding whether to report a bowler. In another update, impact substitutions will be introduced in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) starting in the 2026 season. Each team's lineup must include an Under-23 player, born on or after July 1, 2003, at all times, even after making an impact substitution. These changes were significant topics during the LPL draft 2026 on Monday in Colombo. Teams had to carefully plan their rosters, considering how to use less experienced players while maximizing their overall strength. The Under-23 player requirement is challenging due to the lack of available talent, as many Under-19 players will be busy playing India in July. Pathum Nissanka and Matheesha Pathirana are both currently dealing with injuries, although Nissanka has been included in the squad for the West Indies tour. His workload is being monitored, and he may need surgery to be ready for India's visit to Sri Lanka later this year. Regarding team changes, four out of five franchises have new owners and coaching staff, along with new team names. The Dambulla Sixers remain the same, despite facing ownership changes in 2024. The new names include SC Jaffna Kings, Galle Gallants, Kandy Royals, and Colombo Kaps. The draft lasted just under four hours, with each team needing to select at least 18 players, with an option for two more signings afterward. There were 14 mandatory drafting rounds and two optional rounds for interested teams.
