South Africa legend Shaun Pollock says the ICC cricket committee is working on adjusting the wide ball rule to give bowlers more leeway. Shaun Pollock said the rules are too strict, especially when batters make last-minute moves across the crease to disrupt a bowler’s line and length.
Pollock holds the record for the most international wickets among South African bowlers. He took 829 wickets at an average of 23.73, including 21 five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket match haul. The former pacer has picked up 421 wickets in 108 Tests, 393 wickets in 303 ODIs and 14 wickets in 12 T20Is.
We’re looking to give bowlers a bit more flexibility on the wides – Shaun Pollock
Shaun Pollock has revealed that the ICC Cricket Committee is considering changes to give bowlers more flexibility over wide ball decisions. Pollock said the current rules are too strict. He stressed the importance of bowlers knowing their target zone from the start of their swing.
“I’m working on something. As a member of the ICC cricket committee, we’re looking to give bowlers a bit more flexibility on the wides. I think the current rules are very strict,” Pollock told PTI on the sidelines of SA20. .
“If a batter jumps at the last minute, that doesn’t suit me. A bowler should know from the start of his run where he can bowl,” he added.
There have been numerous instances where players have expressed frustration with close calls on wide and no-balls. They lacked the ability to challenge decisions on the field, as the decisions were based solely on the judgment of the on-field referee. However, the BCCI has introduced a rule to challenge such calls in IPL and WPL.
I’d like to see this change slightly – Shaun Pollock
Shaun Pollock has criticized the current wide ball rule, which judges wide passes based on the batter’s position at the time of delivery, calling it unfair when batters move late. He stressed that bowlers need clarity on their plans before their run and should not have to adjust mid-action.
“If a batter moves and the wideout is judged based on where he is at the time, that’s unfair. I’d like to see that change slightly,” he added.
“Bowlers need to know exactly what awaits them when they come into the field. How can we expect them to change their game plan at the last second? They need a clear idea of their objective ” he said.
“It’s under discussion. We’re working on it. It’s important to give something back to the bowlers,” Pollock added.
SA20 has gone from strength to strength – Shaun Pollock
Pollock also spoke about the rapid growth of the SA20 league, comparing its rise to the IPL. He highlighted the addition of the “Catch 2 Million” competition to boost enthusiasm and highlighted the league’s appeal to young fans and families despite economic challenges.
“It has gone from strength to strength. This year the Catch 2 Million competition was added, which brought even more excitement,” he said.
“I see young kids being encouraged to come onto the field, which is fantastic. With the current economic challenges, it’s great to see families getting involved. The league has definitely grown.”
“The game needed that injection, there’s no doubt about it. It generated incredible interest and enthusiasm, which South African cricket desperately needed,” Pollock concluded.
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