South African legend Shaun Pollock said the ICC Cricket Committee is working on tweaking the wide ball rule to give bowlers more freedom. Shaun Pollock said the rules are too strict, especially when batsmen make last-minute moves across the crease to disrupt a bowler's line and length.
Pollock holds the record for most international wickets by a South African bowler. He took 829 wickets at an average of 23.73, including 21 five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket haul. The former pacer has taken 421 wickets in 108 Tests, 393 wickets in 303 ODIs and 14 wickets in 12 T20Is.
We are looking to give the bowlers a bit more flexibility on Wides – Shaun Pollock
Shaun Pollock has revealed that the ICC Cricket Committee is considering changes to give bowlers more flexibility over wide ball decisions. Pollock said the current rules are too strict. He stressed 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 looking to give the bowlers a bit more flexibility in the wides. I think the current rules are very strict,” Pollock told PTI on the sidelines of the SA20. .
“If a batsman jumps at the last minute, I don't like it. A bowler has to know, right from the start of the run, where he can play,” he added.
There have been plenty of situations where players have expressed their frustration with close calls on wides and no balls. They did not have the option of challenging on-field calls as decisions were solely based on the judgment of the on-field referee. However, the BCCI has introduced a rule to challenge such calls in the IPL and WPL.
I would like to see it changed slightly – Shaun Pollock
Shaun Pollock has criticized the current wide ball rule, which judges latitude based on the batsman's position at the time of delivery, saying it is unfair when batsmen move late. He pointed out that bowlers need clarity about their plans before the run and should not have to adjust in the middle of the action.
“If a batsman moves and the latitude is judged based on where he is at the time, it's unfair. I'd like to see it changed slightly,” he added.
“Bowlers need to know exactly what to expect when they come 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 talked about. We're working on it. It's important to give something back to the bowlers,” added Pollock.
SA20 has gone from strength to strength – Shaun Pollock
Pollock also spoke about the rapid growth of the SA20 league, likening its rise to the IPL. He pointed to the addition of the “Catch 2 Million” competition to boost excitement and noted the league's appeal to young fans and families despite economic challenges.
“It's grown more and more. This year the Catch 2 Million competition was added, which brought even more excitement,” he said.
“I'm seeing young kids being encouraged to come to the ground, which is fantastic. With the current economic challenges, it's great to see families involved. The league has definitely gained momentum.”
“The match needed this injection – there's no doubt about it. It has generated incredible interest and excitement, which cricket in South Africa desperately needs,” concluded Pollock.