BBL teams put on notice

Big Bash League clubs have been put on notice in relation to the placement of boundary ropes, after the Melbourne Stars brought the rope in further than anticipated ahead of their win over the Melbourne Renegades at the MCG on Friday night.

The Stars apparently adjusted the boundary ropes before they batted first and made a team record 7-208. The Renegades were then dismissed for 132.

As a result of Friday night’s incident, clubs have been reminded about expectations in relation to creating the boundary for BBL matches.

“Please be reminded that it is not at the discretion of the home Club or Captain to determine the minimum or maximum size of the field of play. The BBL Playing Conditions state ‘the aim shall be to provide the largest playing area, subject to no boundary exceeding 82.29 meters from the centre of the pitch to be used’.  While the BBL does not have a minimum boundary size, the ICC regulations do contain such a provision,” said Executive General Manager – Operations, Mike McKenna, in a memo sent to BBL clubs.

“While we obviously want to strike the balance between a field of play that encourages boundaries and sixes (particularly at the bigger venues such as the MCG, Gabba, and Adelaide Oval), if boundaries are brought in too far then it has the potential to impact the credibility of the contest.

“We ask that Clubs use their common sense when it comes to placing the rope, taking into account aspects such as the location of the wicket on the block, and also the placement of any infrastructure (fireworks, platforms etc.) inside the fence, however we will be closely monitoring any rope positioning that appears abnormal/extreme for the duration of BBL|03, and requesting changes where appropriate.”