South African legend Shaun Pollock said the ICC Cricket Board is working to adjust the wide ball rules to give bowlers more space. Shaun Pollock said the rules are too strict, especially when batsmen make last-minute moves across the crease to disrupt the line and length of the bowler.
Pollock holds the record for 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 haul in a match. The former pacer took 421 wickets in 108 Tests, 393 wickets in 303 ODIs and 14 wickets in 12 T20Is.
We want to give the bowlers a bit more flexibility on wide balls – Shaun Pollock
Shaun Pollock has revealed that the ICC Cricket Board is considering changes to give bowlers more flexibility in wide ball decisions. Pollock said the current rules are too strict. He emphasized the importance of bowlers knowing their target area from the start of the run.
“I am working on something. As a member of the ICC Cricket Committee, we are trying to give the bowlers a bit more flexibility in the wide box. I think the current rules are very strict,” Pollock told PTI on the sidelines of the SA20. .
“If the batsman skips in the last minute, I don’t like that. The bowler has to know, from the start of the run-up, where he can bowl,” he added.
There were plenty of cases where players expressed frustration with close calls on wides and no-balls. They lacked the option of challenging calls on the field, as decisions were based solely on the judgment of the on-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 bit – Shaun Pollock
Shaun Pollock has criticized the current wide ball rule, which judges wide balls based on the batsman’s position at the time of delivery, calling it unfair when batsmen are late. He emphasized that bowlers should clarify their plans before the run-up and should not adjust in the middle of the action.
“If the batsman moves and the width is judged based on where he is at that moment, it’s unfair. I’d like to see that change a bit,” he added.
“Bowlers need to know exactly what is expected when they run 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.
“It’s being discussed. We’re working on it. It’s important to give something back to the bowlers,” Pollock added.
SA20 goes 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” contest to increase excitement and highlight the league’s appeal to young fans and families despite economic challenges.
“It’s picked up. This year, the Catch 2 Million competition was added, which brought even more excitement,” he said.
“I’m seeing young kids being encouraged to get on the field, 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 that. It generated incredible interest and excitement, which South African cricket desperately needed,” concluded Pollock.
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