Usually, when people think of cricket matches and cricket balls, they usually have the color red in mind when they think of test matches. While red balls are the standard for all cricket matches, whether they are test matches or limited over matches, no one can usually think beyond red or white balls for cricket. One of the most unusual colours for a cricket ball is pink. Many people can never associate Cricket balls with the color pink because traditionally the cricket balls for this “gentleman’s game” is either red or white.
The idea of a pink cricket ball came up at the turn of the 21st century for several reasons. One of the most important reasons is that it is a color that can be seen better at night and hence is a better option when compared to red balls. This is especially true because there are instances when test matches and even first calls matches have to be played at night with the floodlights on in the stadium over a more extended period. The problem with red balls during night time matches is that they tend to look brown in the floodlights making it difficult for the batsmen to see the ball properly, mainly because the pitch is also brown. Red balls or orange balls can be seen better during the day and can last for as long as five days.

Why Pink Cricket Balls Are A Favourite
When it comes to pink cricket balls, it has several advantages concerning visibility and resilience. However, it is not as difficult to see as a white ball. For one-day international cricket matches, white balls are visible more than red balls at nights. The only problem with white balls is that they can become stained and dull after thirty or forty overs. From the year 2012, two new white balls are used after every innings, and a new call is used from each end. As far as white balls are concerned, it becomes difficult to produce a more considerable amount of swing in the early innings. While white balls have its advantages and disadvantages the same goes for pink and red balls as well. Because white balls are susceptible to getting dirty in a short period, pink balls are a great alternative both to red and white balls. They have the advantage of endurance of the red balls and the visibility that is absolutely necessary for night matches. Many people will wonder about the color pink because it is considered unfit for a gentleman’s game which is cricket. However, in the light of the current changing scenario in cricket where matches are often held at night, pink is the best color, when compared to colours like yellow or orange.
To sum up, it can be stated that the game of cricket has advanced by leaps and bounds and more and more matches are being held in the night with the floodlights on. The concept of a pink cricket ball is no longer new, and it is the best alternative of both red and white balls because it has the advantages of both.