South Africa legend Shaun Pollock said the ICC Cricket Committee is working on amending the wide ball rule to provide bowlers with more leeway. Sean Pollock said the rules are very strict, especially when hitters make last-minute moves across the crease to disrupt the pitcher'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. The former player picked up 421 wickets in 108 Tests, 393 wickets in 303 ODIs, and 14 wickets in 12 T20Is.
We are looking to provide bowlers with more flexibility out wide – Sean Pollock
Sean Pollock has revealed that the ICC Cricket Committee is considering changes to give bowlers more flexibility in wide ball rulings. Bullock stated that the current rules are too strict. He stressed the importance of bowlers knowing the target area from the beginning of the preparation period.
“I am working on something. As a member of the ICC cricket committee, we are looking to provide bowlers with more flexibility across the board. I think the current rules are too strict,” Pollock told PTI on the sidelines of SA20. .
He added: “If the batsman jumps at the last minute, that does not suit me. The player needs to know, from the beginning of the preparation period, where he can throw.”
There have been plenty of instances of players expressing frustration with wide close calls and no-balls. They lacked the option to appeal fielding calls, as decisions were based solely on the judgment of the field umpire. However, the BCCI has introduced a rule to challenge such calls in the IPL and WPL.
I'd like to see that change a little – Sean Bullock
Sean Pollock has criticized the current wide ball rule, which rules widely based on the position of the hitter at the time of delivery, calling it unfair when hitters move late. He stressed that bowlers need to be clear about their plans before preparing for the match and should not adjust mid-action.
He added: “If the batsman moves and the ball is judged wide based on where he is at that moment, that's unfair. I'd like to see that change a little bit.”
“Bowlers need to know exactly what is expected when they bowl. How can they be expected to change their game plan at the last second? They need a clear idea of their target,” he said.
“This is under discussion. We are working on it. It is important to give back to the bowlers,” Pollock added.
SA20 has gone from strength to strength – Sean Pollock
Bullock also spoke about the SA20 league's rapid growth, likening its rise to the Indian Premier League. He highlighted the addition of the “Catch 2 Million” competition to enhance excitement, and noted the league's appeal to young fans and families despite the economic challenges.
“The intensity of the game has increased. This year, the Catch 2 Million competition was added, which brought more excitement,” he said.
“I see young kids being encouraged to get on the floor, which is great. With the current economic challenges, it's great to see families getting involved. The league has definitely gained momentum.”
“The game needed this injection, there's no doubt about it. It generated incredible interest and excitement, which South African cricket desperately needed,” Pollock concluded.
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