In a new initiative for both the men’s and women’s Big Bash League, spectators will now be allowed to keep the ball as a souvenir if it flies into the stands during the first over of each innings. Australian media outlet ‘Nine’ has reported that the Big Bash has officially introduced this new rule.
This concept has long existed in baseball, where fans have been permitted to keep balls that leave the field for over a century. In Big Bash, a similar rule has been implemented, though with a slight variation.
Rule Details:
During the first over of each innings (six legal deliveries), if a ball goes for a boundary or six into the stands, spectators are allowed to keep it.
There is no limit on the number of balls spectators can keep from the first over; each boundary that reaches the stands can be retained.
From the second over onwards, a new ball will be used to ensure that the remaining 19 overs of the innings are played with consistent ball conditions for both teams.
If multiple balls are hit out of the field in the first over, a new ball will be introduced each time before the over ends.
The women’s Big Bash is scheduled to begin tomorrow, with spectators able to retain balls from the first over if hit for a four or six. Australian journalist Daniel Cherny reported that the rule is being introduced with the sponsorship of Westpac, Cricket Australia’s banking partner since July. The campaign for the initiative is named ‘Westpac Keep the Ball’. The men’s Big Bash will commence on 14 December.
To minimise delays in play, umpires will have replacement balls available. Additionally, the league is reintroducing a countdown timer for each innings. Teams that fail to meet the over rate within the allotted time will be required to bring an extra fielder inside the 30-yard circle.
Statistics from last season show that, on average:
In the men’s Big Bash, a ball goes into the stands once every two matches during the first over.
In the women’s Big Bash, this occurs roughly once every ten matches.
Big Bash League Executive General Manager Alistair Dobson commented,
“The connection between players and fans is at the heart of the Big Bash League, and this initiative reflects our commitment to fan-focused innovation.”
The league has stated that the initiative is inspired by Major League Baseball traditions, where fans have long been able to keep foul balls and home run balls. Fans often use mitts or specialised gloves to catch balls flying into the stands, making it easier to secure them safely.