Cricket Australia has introduced a new rule for Big Bash matches allowing fans to keep balls hit into the crowd, but only during the first over. The initiative, called 'Westpac Keep the Ball', is designed to bring fans closer to the action.
Lucky spectators can claim the souvenir even if the ball bounces over the fence, and there is no limit on how many balls can be kept, as long as they are hit in the first over. The first over of every BBL and WBBL match will use a special branded ball, which will be swapped for a traditional ball at the start of the second over.
To ensure consistency, a new ball will be used at the start of the second over regardless of whether a ball was hit into the crowd. Based on last season's data, a ball landed in the crowd during the first over once every two games in the men's competition and one in every 10 in the women's.
BBL executive general manager Alistair Dobson said the rule was a celebration of passionate fans. 'Player connection drives the Big Bash Leagues, and this initiative further demonstrates our commitment to delivering fan-focused innovation,' Dobson said. The new rule takes effect this weekend when the WBBL season opens with the Heat versus the Renegades.
