The Australian Big Bash League is innovating a new rule. Beginning with BBL 15, fans can retain any ball which crosses the boundary. It is something that the competition has never done before. This is a big step towards making the matches more interactive to the audience. This new rule will apply only in the first over of the both innings.
The rule permits fans to retain balls that pass the boundary line. The players will be using another ball for the rest of the innings. The rule covers both the Men and Women’s BBL. This provides the opportunity to the fans of both the leagues to experience this unique chance.
The tradition of home run ball in American baseball has inspired this rule. Cricket Australia has the hope that it can make the matches more interactive and make them more memorable.
The reception of fans has been in general very positive. A fair number of fans being delighted at the opportunity to have a piece of the action.
The statistics of the previous season indicate that fans have a good opportunity to catch a ball. In men’s BBL, there was one ball per two games being thrown to the crowd in the first over. It occurred once in every ten games in the women league.
According to Cricket Australia, the move is to increase entertainment and make more people come to watch games live. The Women’s big bash league begins on the 9th of November and the Men’s BBL begins on the 14th of December.
This is a rare opportunity therefore thrilling to fans with hopes of capturing a rare souvenir of cricket.
To a large number of fans, this would be a dream experience to have.
This change seems rather insignificant, but it can lead to the further strengthening of the relationship between players and supporters.
Cricket Australia is transforming regular matches into an everlasting experience for the people in the stands by allowing the fans to have a piece of the game.
