Big Bash introduces new ‘keep the ball’ rule for fans:League adopts ‘baseball’ style move to reward fans for taking catches

The upcoming Big Bash season will bring an exciting new experience for fans; they can now take home cricket balls hit into the crowd during the first over of each innings. Inspired by baseball traditions, this new rule will make its debut in the Weber WBBL season 11 and BBL competitions starting this Sunday. The initiative, called the ‘Westpac Keep the Ball’ rule, is sponsored by Westpac, Cricket Australia’s new banking partner. It allows fans to keep any ball that lands in the crowd, whether it’s hit on the full or bounces over the fence, during the opening over of an innings. According to data from last season, a ball was hit into the crowd in the first over once every two men’s BBL games and once in every ten WBBL matches. This new move is expected to make the matchday experience even more exciting and memorable for fans. Inspired by Major League Baseball, designed for fans spectators Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, Alistair Dobson, said the new rule is part of the league’s ongoing effort to connect with fans. “Player connection drives the Big Bash Leagues, and this initiative further demonstrates our commitment to delivering fan-focused innovation,” he said. “Building ‘Keep the Ball’ in collaboration with Westpac has been a priority since their onboarding and we’re thankful for their support to bring this unforgettable moment to life.” The rule is inspired by Major League Baseball (MLB), where fans have been allowed to keep foul balls and home runs for more than a century. Many baseball fans even bring gloves to matches to catch balls hit into the stands. Rules explained – How it works? Each innings in the Big Bash this season will start with a Westpac-branded Kookaburra ball. If a ball is hit into the stands during the first over, fans can keep it as a souvenir. After the over ends, umpires will replace it with a new standard Kookaburra ball, even if no ball goes into the crowd. Umpires will also have spare balls on hand to keep the game moving smoothly. New over-rate rules introduced for Big Bash League The Big Bash will also introduce stricter penalties for slow over rates. If teams fail to complete their overs in time, they will have to bring an extra fielder inside the circle, even mid-over. “While it adds an element of excitement to the conclusion of each innings, the stronger penalty for over rates is consistent with our ongoing commitment to keeping matches fast-paced and family friendly,” Dobson added.