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ICC Committee Member Shaun Pollock doesn’t like that batters earn wide even after moving around the crease in the middle of a bowler’s run-up.
A new rule for wide deliveries is in the works.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is ‘working’ to tweak the wide-ball rule to provide bowlers ‘with a bit more flexibility’ and ‘give something back’ to them, according to cricket committee member Shaun Pollock.
The former South African fast-bowler said he doesn’t like that batters earn wides according to their new position, even when they move around the crease. He added that the bowlers should not be punished for something they can’t adjust to in the middle of the run-up, though he didn’t qualify what that change would be.
“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.”
“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.
Batters generally make such movements to disrupt the bowlers’ plans and keep them guessing. If a batter moves towards his off-side, bowlers often try to bowl further wide, which results in extra runs awarded to the batter.
‘SA20 gaining momentum’: Shaun Pollock
Pollock also spoke about the SA20’s increasing interest among the South African audience. He said with more young people getting involved, the league was gaining momentum.
“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.
