Ahead of the upcoming 2025/26 season of the Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), a popular baseball tradition has been allowed for the fans to keep the balls hit into the crowd for the very first time in Australia’s home summer. The new rule will be in place during the first over of each innings, allowing the fans to keep any ball in the pocket.

Those balls can come into the crowd on the full or bounce over the fence from a boundary. The innovation is being sponsored by Australia’s new banking partner. Based on the data from the last season, the ball landed in the crowd in the first over on average once every two games in the men’s event, and once in every 10 women’s Big Bash League clashes.

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“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 onboarding, and we're thankful for their support to bring this unforgettable moment to life.” Alistair Dobson, CA’s executive general manager of the league, said.

BBL and WBBL to allow fans to pocket balls on boundary in first over of match

The league noted that the innovation has been inspired by the traditions of Major League Baseball, where the fans have been allowed to keep foul balls and home runs for more than a century. Supporters will often wear mitts to help them catch the baseballs that fly into the crowd.

“While it adds an element of excitement to the conclusion of each innings, the stronger penalty for over rates is consistent with our ongoing commitment to keeping matches fast-paced and family-friendly.” Dobson expressed that the countdown will be in place for each innings as per previous seasons.

The timer will then immediately reset after hitting zero, to five for BBL matches and 5.45 minutes for the WBBL games. If the time expires again before the conclusion of the innings, full powerplay conditions will stay for the remaining deliveries, with only two players allowed outside the fielding restriction ring.