This article will discuss the cricket ball types being used in ICC Events, especially for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. It will also help in understanding the official ICC-approved cricket balls and their importance in the game.

The Champions Trophy is a 50-over ODI format ICC event being hosted by Pakistan and the UAE (Dubai). The tournament is scheduled to be played on the 19th of February 2025.

The Kookaburra cricket ball, a renowned ODI cricket ball, is expected to be used for the tournament.

Also Read : Latest news on Champions Trophy

The game of cricket revolves around both bat and ball, and the cricket ball specifications play a critical role in the dynamics of the game.

Also Read: The History and Evolution of Cricket Equipment

Introduction to Cricket Ball Standards

A ball roughly weighs between 155.9 and 163 grams, while its circumference ranges between 22.4 and 22.9 centimeters. These precise cricket ball standards are followed globally.

White Cricket balls were introduced when colored clothing was introduced and is being used currently in the limited-format games only.

Pink Cricket Ball is the new innovation into the game for Day – night Test matches showcasing the evolution of cricket ball types. This is currently in a nascent stage

Is There a Difference in the Swing and Seam of the Red Ball as Compared to the White Ball?

Yes, the swing and seam behavior differs across the red ball vs white ball, impacting the game significantly.

Different Types of Balls Used in International Cricket

(Image Source: Twitter)

(Image Source: Twitter)

The Dukes’ Ball

The Dukes’ ball is completely a handmade red crick et ball and the oldest out of the three ball used in international games.

The ball is darker in colour and is the more durable and some say it takes a longer period of time to get old.

The ball is more used in English conditions and hence also the lesser wear and tear.

England prefers to use this ball as it assists in more swing bowling as the seam in the ball is more prominent.

Only England and West Indies use the ball in all formats

The Kookaburra Ball

(Image Source: Twitter)

Kookaburra is internationally acclaimed as the number one ball manufacturer.

The Kookaburra cricket ball, is completely machine made and is used widely in Australian cricket.

As the seam is less prominent, the ball doesnot swing as much as the Dukes’ but surprisingly the ball moves for the fast bowlers once it is used for 20-30 overs.

Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and South Africa, uses the Kookaburra balls in international cricket in all formats of the games. It is also used in their domestic cricket.

The SG Ball

(Image Source: Twitter)

SG cricket ball is the ball Indian team and Indian domestic cricket use.

SG stands for Sanspareils Greenlands ball.

This ICC-approved cricket ball is the durable out of the three balls and does not lose shape or deteriorates even in the rough dry grounds of India. The ball has a wider seam which assists in swing bowling and the seam helps spinners to grip the ball better onces the ball is older.

The cricket ball does lose shine but if the ball is taken care well during the game, it assists in reverse swing.

This type of ball is only used in India.

Technicalities of the Cricket Ball

Ball specifications and Ball dimensions

From the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) Rule book

4.1 Official Cricket ball Weight and size –

The ball, when new, shall weigh not less than 5.5 ounces/155.9 g, nor more than 5.75 ounces/163 g, and shall measure not less than 8.81 in/22.4 cm, nor more than 9 in/22.9 cm in circumference.

4.2 Approval and control of balls

4.2.1 All balls to be used in the match, having been determined by the umpires, shall be in the possession of the umpires before the toss and shall remain under their control throughout the match.

4.2.2 The umpire shall take possession of the ball in use at the fall of each wicket, at the start of any interval and at any interruption of play.

4.3 New ball

Unless an agreement to the contrary has been made before the match, either captain may demand a new ball at the start of each innings.

4.4 New ball in match of more than one day’s duration

In a match of more than one day’s duration, the captain of the fielding side may demand a new ball when the number of overs, excluding any part overs, bowled with the old one is equal to or greater than 80 overs. The umpire shall inform the other umpire and indicate to the batters and the scorers whenever a new ball is taken into play.

4.5 Ball lost or becoming unfit for play

If, during play, the ball cannot be found or recovered or the umpires agree that it has become unfit for play through normal use, the umpires shall replace it with a ball which has had wear comparable with that which the previous ball had received before the need for its replacement. When the ball is replaced, the umpire shall inform the batters and the fielding captain.

4.6 Specifications

The specifications as described in 4.1 shall apply to men’s cricket only. The following specifications shall apply to:

4.6.1 Women’s cricket

Weight: from 4.94 ounces/140 g to 5.31 ounces/151 g

Circumference: from 8.25 in/21.0 cm to 8.88 in/22.5 cm.

4.6.2 Junior cricket – Under 13

Weight: from 4.69 ounces/133 g to 5.06 ounces/144 g

Circumference: from 8.06 in/20.5 cm to 8.69 in/22.0 cm.

Also read : ICC Champions Trophy 2025: All rules and playing regulations detailed

How Cricket ball weight impacts the game

The Weight of a cricket ball influences and affects the speed of the delivery. A heavier ball do travel slower.  Bounce from the wicket also get affected. A lighter ball helps put more speed in the release of the ball.

The weight of the ball varies in men’s, women’s and junior cricket.

• Men’s cricket: The ball weighs between 5.5 and 5.75 ounces.
• Women’s cricket: The ball weighs between 4.94 and 5.31 ounces.
• Junior cricket (under 13): The ball weighs between 4.69 and 5.06 ounces.

Bowlers tend to practice with different ball weights which helps them to have better control over the ball.

For example, a ball is intentionally made heavier by dipping it in water for bowlers to practice better control over the ball in humid conditions affected by dew.

Differences Across Formats (Test, ODI, T20)

Red Cricket ball

• The Red ball is used only in Test matches which are played during the day

White Cricket ball 

• The White ball is used only in limited-overs format games ( ODIs and T20). As most games are played in Day- night format, the white ball visibility is better under floodlights
• White balls are also harder and swings more especially under lights. It also assist in better hitting for batsman due to the hardness of the ball.

Pink Cricket ball

• Pink ball is currently used only in Test match are day-night Test matches. This is still not a regular format and is still in its evolution stage. There is extra layer of polish on the ball which makes it hold the shine and is visible under lights better. It assists in swing bowling too.

Impact on player performance

The cricket ball type influences player performance. It is evident that some players play better in White ball cricket than in Red ball cricket. This could purely be because of the assistance the bowler gets or the lack of it.

Batters who are hard hitters of the ball prefer the white ball game and Batters who are more technically sound prefer the Red ball format.

Conclusion

The cricket ball standards, including cricket ball specifications like weight and type, play a pivotal role in shaping the game. Every format is different and players playing the different formats adapt to the changing formats. From the Kookaburra cricket ball to the Dukes’ ball, each type brings unique dynamics, challenging players to adapt their skills accordingly.

This is also a reason that countries prefer to keep different teams according to the format of the game.

The major difference is the color of the match ball and individual players adapt differently according to their skill set.

The upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 will undoubtedly showcase the best of these cricket ball types, enhancing the spectacle for fans worldwide.