The ICC is exploring potential changes to the wide-ball rule in limited-overs cricket. Shaun Pollock, a member of the ICC’s cricket committee, recently shared that discussions are ongoing to tweak the current rules to give bowlers more clarity and fairness, especially with batters constantly moving around the crease.
Pollock, speaking on the sidelines of the SA20 league, said, “If a batter jumps across [at the] last minute, it doesn’t really work out for me. I think a bowler, at the start of his run-up, needs to know where he can bowl it.”
Pollock’s Thoughts on the Current Wide Rule
Currently, the rule dictates that a wide should be called if the ball passes wide of where the batter is standing at the time of delivery. This is based on their position in a normal batting stance.
Pollock believes this puts bowlers 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 bit of a change. How can a bowler be expected to adjust his game plan at the last second? He needs to have a clear idea of where he can bowl,” Pollock said.
He added that the ICC is “working on something” to address the issue. “We need to give a little bit back to the bowlers,” he emphasised.
Should There be 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 layer of scrutiny to umpiring decisions, not everyone is in favor of it.
Simon Taufel, a former elite umpire, has voiced his concerns about using technology to judge wide balls.
“I’m really conscious about turning the art of officiating into a science,” Taufel told ESPNcricinfo. “For wides, we’re potentially throwing marginal calls back to the third umpire. It’s still a judgment call at the end of the day.”
Pollock Backs South Africa’s IPL Stars for Champions Trophy 2025
Pollock also shared his thoughts on South Africa’s chances in the upcoming Champions Trophy, set to be played in Pakistan and Dubai. He believes that South Africa’s IPL-experienced players could give the team an edge in subcontinental conditions.
“You’ve got guys like Klaasen, Miller, and de Kock, who have spent so much time in those conditions. That experience will be crucial,” Pollock said.
South Africa reached the semi-final of the 2023 ODI World Cup before losing to Australia. Pollock hopes that the familiarity with 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, which is now in its third season.
“South African cricket needed this injection. There’s no doubt about it. The league has created unbelievable interest in the game,” Pollock said.
He highlighted the fan engagement initiatives, like the “Catch 2 Million” competition, which has added excitement to the tournament.
“It’s gone from strength to strength. We’re seeing packed stadiums, and it’s great to see people backing cricket in South Africa again,” he added.
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