The ICC is investigating possible changes to the wide ball rules in limited overs cricket. Shaun Pollock, member of the ICC of the cricket board, recently said that discussions are underway to adjust the current rules to give bowlers more clarity and fairness, especially with batsmen constantly moving around the crease.
Pollock, speaking on the sidelines of the SA20 league, said: “If a batsman jumps over [at the] last minute, I don’t really like it. I think the pitcher, at the beginning of his swing, has to know where he can throw it.”
Pollock’s thoughts on the current broad reign
The current rule dictates that the ball should be awarded if the ball passes where the batsman is standing at the time of delivery. This is based on their position in the normal hitting stance.
Pollock believes that puts pitchers at a disadvantage. “The current rule tends to suggest that if the batter moves at the point of delivery, that’s where the wide will be called from. I want a little change. How can a pitcher be expected to adjust his game plan at the last second? He has to have a clear idea of where he can bowl,” Pollock said.
He added that the ICC is “working on something” to solve the problem. “We have to give a little back to the bowlers,” he emphasized.
Should there be a DRS for Wides?
In recent years, the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Women’s Premier League (WPL) have allowed players to review wide ball calls using the Decision Review System (DRS). While this has added a level of oversight to court decisions, not everyone is in favor of it.
Simon Taufel, a former elite referee, expressed concern about the use of technology to referee wide balls.
“I’m really conscious of turning the art of refereeing into a science,” Taufel told ESPNcricinfo. “Basically, we’re potentially returning marginal calls to the third umpire. That’s still the verdict at the end of the day.”
Pollock backs South Africa’s IPL stars for 2025 Champions Trophy
Pollock also shared his thoughts on South Africachances in the upcoming Champions Trophy, which will be played Pakistan and Dubai. He believes South African players with IPL experience could give the team an advantage in subcontinental conditions.
“You have guys like Klaasen, Miller and de Kock, who have spent so much time in those conditions. That experience will be key,” said Pollock.
South Africa reached the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup before losing to Australia. Pollock hopes that familiarity with the conditions, thanks to the IPL, will help the team go further this time.
SA20: A boost for South African cricket
Pollock also spoke about the impact of the SA20 league, now in its third season.
“South African cricket needed this injection. There is no doubt about it. The league has created an incredible interest in the game,” said Pollock.
He highlighted fan engagement initiatives, such as the “Catch 2 Million” contest, which added excitement to the tournament.
“It was getting stronger. We are seeing packed stadiums and it is great to see people supporting cricket in South Africa again,” he added.
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