"It's 2025" – Cricket Australia CEO urges resolution to bad light interruptions

Cricket Australia’s new chief executive, Todd Greenberg, has called for the game to find a practical solution to the long-standing issue of play being halted due to bad light, emphasizing the importance of keeping fans at the heart of decision-making.

Fresh from attending his first ICC meetings in Harare since taking over from Nick Hockley last month, Greenberg voiced his concerns about the optics of players walking off the field as light fades — particularly as cricket battles for relevance in a crowded entertainment landscape.

“My view has always been that we’re in the entertainment business,” Greenberg told the Daily Telegraph. “That means making sure as many fans as possible can enjoy their cricket. The frustration of stopping for bad light — it feels like we’re one of the last industries still doing that. We need to innovate and find a way forward.”

The issue has become even more prominent in the age of day-night Tests, which use pink balls — though these are mainly played in Australia. Various alternatives have been floated over the years, including switching ball colours mid-match, but such ideas have generally been considered too radical.

Traditional Tests can continue under floodlights if installed, allowing for extended play. However, once artificial lighting begins to overpower natural light — often when shadows from floodlights become too prominent — umpires are compelled to take players off the field, even if visibility seems sufficient.

Greenberg acknowledged the complexity of the situation and stressed the importance of player input in shaping any future changes.

“I’m a realist. I understand the reasoning behind bad light stoppages and the challenges involved. But from a fan’s perspective, it’s incredibly frustrating — especially when we have the technology to play under lights, or potentially with different coloured balls,” he said.

“Players need to be part of the conversation. This won’t be solved overnight, but come on — it’s 2025. If we can play in different conditions, I’m sure we can find ways to tackle this issue.”

Greenberg’s stance underlines a growing push within the sport to adapt and modernize — particularly when it comes to improving the matchday experience for spectators, both in-stadium and at home.

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