Cricket Australia’s new chief executive Todd Greenberg has declared he is on a mission to scrap what he calls the ‘dumbest rule’ in cricket.
Just a month into his new role, Greenberg has made it clear that ending bad light stoppages in Test cricket is at the top of his agenda. He says it’s time for the game to catch up with modern expectations and put spectators first.
‘It’s something I’m passionate about and it comes from my starting proposition, which is what business are we in?’ Greenberg said.
‘My view has always been we are in the entertainment business and so if we’re in the entertainment business that means we’re trying to make sure as many fans can enjoy their cricket as possible.’
Year after year, packed stadiums and millions of viewers have been left disappointed when umpires halt play due to fading light — even when stadium lights are available.
Greenberg, who has relocated from Sydney to Melbourne to take up the job, believes the time has come for international cricket to take greater responsibility.
New Cricket Australia boss Todd Greenberg wants to take on the ICC over its controversial bad light laws
Several matches have been cut short at crucial moments because of the bad lighting law being enacted
While these umpires are using a light metre, other matches have been decided without the use of technology
‘The frustration that goes when we walk off with bad light is we may be one of the last industries left that would do that,’ he said.
In recent years, the issue has caused major disruptions to marquee matches.
In 2023, almost 30,000 fans at the SCG were left fuming when players walked off twice due to bad light during the Pink Test.
Former Australian captain Steve Waugh expressed his frustration, writing, ‘Test cricket needs to realise there is a lot of competition out there and not using the lights when the players are off for bad light simply doesn’t add up.’
‘Lots of unhappy spectators who can’t understand the rationale and reason for no play,’ Waugh added.
Under current ICC rules, umpires must suspend play when artificial light becomes the dominant source during a red-ball Test.
But Greenberg argues the game should be using the tools available, including pink balls or new technologies, to keep players on the field.
‘I’m a realist and I understand why (it happens) and I understand the difficulties,’ he said. ‘But ultimately we want to give fans the best outcomes.’
Australian champion Steve Waugh has been one big name to speak out against players leaving the field because of bad light
England captain Joe Root has also been outspoken about the law which has impacted their Test matches as well
‘There is nothing more frustrating than having to go off for bad light, particularly in an environment where we can play under lights.’
‘It is something we have to address as a sport, not just Australian cricket, but global cricket.’
Greenberg also believes the solution will require input from players and consistent communication.
‘The players are part of the solution and we need to communicate really well with them.’
‘I’m a realist to know that it won’t be solved overnight, but geez, it’s 2025 and we can play in different conditions – I’m certain we can come up with a way to solve some of those challenges.’
The urgency to act was only heightened in 2024 when umpires called a bad light stoppage in an Australia-Pakistan Test at the SCG without using a working light meter.
According to reports, the decision was made on ‘gut feel’ – nearly 40 minutes before rain actually hit.
Michael Vaughan, the former England captain, was appalled. ‘Seriously, is it that dangerous? Come on,’ he said live on Fox Cricket.
‘One of my bugbears with Test match cricket is that we just seem to find a way of getting off the pitch at any opportunity.’
He added, ‘T20 cricket, 50 over cricket, you just stay out there and go through with it. It’s an entertaining business.’
The Australian Cricketers’ Association has also shown interest in developing balls that minimise light-related stoppages.
The issue is not new. Back in 2020, England captain Joe Root also called for change after a heavily disrupted Test in Southampton.
‘I don’t think I have ever seen a game be affected by bad light as much as this, which is very frustrating,’ Root said. ‘I do think it needs to be addressed somewhere, somehow.’
