The ball has already been used in trials and the ICC is hopeful further positive feedback results from the testing.
The ICC has issued a statement saying "the pink ball should be used in the four-day first-class ICC Intercontinental Cup 2011-12 (the tournament involving the leading Associate and Affiliate teams) and also that ICC Member Boards be asked not only to use the ball in at least one round of first-class matches but also be encouraged to trial the ball in day-night matches at venues which have adequate artificial lights".
The ICC General Manager of Cricket, David Richardson said: "The ICC remains determined to explore the possibility of day-night Test cricket but at the same time we have to ensure the integrity of that format is also protected.
"The further trials proposed by the ICC Cricket Committee are a reflection of the fact we want to make sure that the pink ball is sufficiently durable to stand up to the rigours of first-class cricket.
"The ICC will conduct its own trials using the ICC Intercontinental Cup and, provided the move is approved by the Chief Executives' Committee and the Executive Board, we will then be able to secure the necessary information to allow us to make an informed decision on whether or not we can take this innovation to the next level, using a pink ball for day-night Tests in the future."
This is a major step forward for the concept of day/night test match, which many see as the final attempt to save test cricket from being relegated to little more than exhibition matches between Australia and England.