In an unprecedented move, one of Britain’s oldest cricket clubs, Southwick and Shoreham Cricket Club, has banned players from hitting sixes at their historic Green ground in Brighton. Founded in 1790, the club has implemented this new rule in response to mounting complaints from neighbours about damage caused by errant cricket balls.
The decision has sparked controversy, drawing comparisons to street cricket rules familiar to many South Asians, where hitting a ball into someone’s property often results in the batter being declared out or the run not being counted. The club’s new rule states that the first six will not be counted, and the batter will be out if they hit a second six in the same innings.
The move has ignited debate among players and cricket enthusiasts. “Hitting the bowler for a six out is part of the glory of the sport. How can you ban it? It’s ridiculous,” one batsman told the Daily Mail UK. “To take that away removes the joy of it. I don’t agree that the rules should be tinkered with in this fashion.”
Another player expressed frustration over the change, citing modern concerns. “Everything is about health and safety these days, and insurance companies are charging a fortune to indemnify sports clubs against accidental damage or injury to bystanders. If you buy a house next to a cricket ground then you’ve got to expect a few cricket balls in your garden.”
The Green ground, known for its short boundaries, is surrounded by residential homes, making it particularly susceptible to such issues. Despite the erection of nets to catch stray balls, the height of these nets is limited due to nearby trees, failing to fully mitigate the problem.
The club’s decision highlights the growing tension between preserving the traditional elements of cricket and adapting to contemporary safety concerns. As the sport evolves with formats like T20 and the aggressive ‘Bazball’ style in Tests, the ban on sixes at Southwick and Shoreham Cricket Club stands as a stark reminder of the challenges facing community sports in modern settings.
For many cricket fans and players, the new rule is seen as a blow to the spirit of the game. The debate continues as the club navigates the delicate balance between respecting the sport’s traditions and addressing the legitimate concerns of its neighbours.
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