South African legend Shaun Pollock said that the ICC Cricket Committee is working on adjusting the wide ball rule to provide bowlers with more leeway. Shaun Pollock said that the rules are too strict, especially when batters make last-minute movements 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 picked up 421 wickets in 108 Tests, 393 wickets in 303 ODIs, and 14 wickets in 12 T20Is.
We’re Looking to Provide Bowlers with a Bit More Flexibility on Wides – Shaun Pollock
Shaun Pollock revealed that the ICC Cricket Committee is considering changes to give bowlers more flexibility on wide ball rulings. Pollock stated that the current rules are overly strict. He emphasized the importance of bowlers knowing their target area from the start of their run-up.
“I’m working on something. As a member of the ICC Cricket Committee, we’re looking to provide bowlers with a bit more flexibility on wides. I think the current rules are very strict,” Pollock told PTI on the sidelines of SA20.
“If a batter jumps across at the last minute, it doesn’t sit well with me. A bowler needs to know, from the start of their run-up, where they can bowl,” he added.
There have been plenty of instances where players have expressed frustration with close calls on wides and no-balls. They lacked the option to challenge on-field calls, as decisions were solely based on the on-field umpire’s judgment. However, BCCI introduced a rule to challenge such calls in IPL and WPL.
I’d Like to See That Changed Slightly – Shaun Pollock
Shaun Pollock criticized the current wide ball rule, which judges wides based on the batter’s position at the time of delivery, calling it unfair when batters move late. He emphasized that bowlers need clarity on their plans before their run-up and shouldn’t have to adjust mid-action.
“If a batter moves and the wide is judged based on where they are at that moment, it’s unfair. I’d like to see that changed slightly,” he added.
“Bowlers need to know exactly what’s expected when they’re running in. 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 being discussed. 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 opened up about the rapid growth of the SA20 league, likening its rise to the IPL. He highlighted the addition of the “Catch 2 Million” competition to boost excitement and noted 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 has brought even more excitement,” he said.
“I see young kids being encouraged to come to the ground, which is fantastic. 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 has sparked incredible interest and excitement, which South African cricket desperately needed,” Pollock concluded.
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