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Big Bash Introduces 'Keep the Ball' First-Over Rule Ahead of WBBL Opener

The fan giveaway pairs with stricter over-rate sanctions to maintain tempo, preserving competitive balance.

Overview

  • Fans may keep any ball that enters the crowd only during the first over of each innings.
  • A fresh ball is issued at the start of the second over regardless of how many deliveries are lost to the stands.
  • Umpires will carry Westpac-branded spares to avoid delays, with unlimited replacements supplied if multiple deliveries are kept.
  • The initiative begins with WBBL|11 this weekend and will also apply in the men’s Big Bash.
  • Teams that exceed the five-minute grace after the innings countdown clock will face full powerplay fielding restrictions as an over-rate penalty.