BBL to implement 'keep the ball' rule to emulate baseball's viral crowd moments

The Big Bash League has announced their new crowd-favourite rule to allow spectators to keep the match-day balls that are hit into the stands in the first over of any WBBL or BBL game.

Shamelessly taking the idea from the hugely-popular baseball rule, the crowd catch is set to up the value of tickets for spectators this summer.

The bonus rule dictates that any ball that is caught by a spectator in the crowd in the first over (six legal deliveries) will be able to be kept as a souvenir.

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The cricket balls can come into the crowd on the full or bounce over the fence from a boundary.

There will be no limit on how many balls can be taken by the crowd before the second over.

But at the start of the second over, a new ball will be brought out to ensure both teams play with a ball of the same age for the remaining 19 overs of their innings.

BBL's executive general manager Alistair Dobson said the new rule was a priority for the competition to implement, bringing fans closer to the action.

"Westpac 'Keep the Ball' is a celebration of our passionate fans and a chance to bring them closer to the game," Dobson said.

"Player connection drives the Big Bash Leagues, and this initiative further demonstrates our commitment to delivering fan-focused innovation.

"Building Keep the Ball in collaboration with Westpac has been a priority since their on-boarding and we're thankful for their support to bring this unforgettable moment to life."

Data collated from previous seasons show that a ball lands in the crowd in the first over on average every two games in men's competition and once every 10 WBBL games.

This "fan-focused initiative" comes after the rule has been in place in major league baseball for more than a century.

Spectators will often be seen in the stands with mitts, eagerly awaiting the chance to try out their catching skills.

The playing condition will come into effect as early as this weekend's WBBL season-opener on November 9 between the Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Renegades.

The BBL will begin on December 14 between the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers.