The rule is inspired by Major League Baseball (MLB), where fans have long been allowed to keep foul balls and home runs as souvenirs. Under this system, each innings will begin with a Westpac-branded Kookaburra ball. Any ball that lands in the crowd, whether on the full or after bouncing, can be retained by fans as a keepsake. After the first over, umpires will replace the ball with a standard Kookaburra for the remainder of the innings. Umpires will also have spare balls ready to ensure smooth gameplay.
Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, said the initiative reinforces the league’s focus on fan engagement. “Player connection drives the Big Bash Leagues, and this initiative further demonstrates our commitment to delivering fan-focused innovation,” he said. “Building ‘Keep the Ball’ in collaboration with Westpac has been a priority since their onboarding, and we’re grateful for their support to bring this unforgettable moment to life.”
Last season, statistics showed a ball entered the crowd in the first over once every two men’s BBL games and once every ten WBBL matches. Organizers hope this new rule will make matchday experiences even more exciting and memorable.
In addition to the fan initiative, the Big Bash League will implement stricter penalties for slow over rates. Teams failing to complete their overs on time will be required to bring an extra fielder inside the circle, even mid-over, to maintain fast-paced, family-friendly cricket.
The dual measures enhanced fan interaction and tighter over-rate ruleshighlight Cricket Australia’s commitment to innovation while ensuring games remain engaging and competitive.
