Cricket Australia has announced an exciting new BBL/WBBL rule for the upcoming season. This major new initiative is designed to help increase fan engagement and enhance the in-game experience! Beginning this weekend, spectators will have the opportunity to retrieve and keep any balls hit into the stands. What’s more, this thrilling deal is available on the opening over of each game! The program begins with a continuing-education Heavy Haul and Freight Mobility season opener. Join us as we look forward to the Brisbane Heat taking on the Melbourne Renegades this Sunday!
A uniquely branded ball will be used only during the first over of each BBL and WBBL game. We’re excited that this new rule just went into full effect! After the first over is done, we’ll change to an official cricket ball. In the new game the ball will be ceremonially replaced at the beginning of the second over. Each new 20 over stint starts with a new ball. Fans are only allowed to keep a ball that accidentally lands in the crowd during the very first over.
The new regulations are a reaction to data from last season. In the men’s competition it meant a ball ending up in the stands in the first over of a match about once every two matches. In the new women’s competition, this happened once every ten. This heralds an opportunity to supercharge fan engagement and matchday excitement.
Alistair Dobson, a representative from Cricket Australia, stated, “Westpac ‘Keep the Ball’ is a celebration of our passionate fans and a chance to bring them closer to the game.” He stressed that this program fits right in with the league’s dedication to improving player-fan relationships.
Since their inception, the BBL and WBBL have led the pack in finding creative ways to entertain their fans. Dobson further noted, “Player connection drives the Big Bash Leagues, and this initiative further demonstrates our commitment to delivering fan-focused innovation.”
