Players have reportedly complained about the logo on the ball tilting the balance against batters in The Hundred 2024.
Daniel Worrall bowled a miserly spell in London Spirit’s three-wicket victory against Welsh Fire on Sunday. He didn’t concede a run in the first 10 balls of the match, leaving opener Tom Kohler-Cadmore stranded. The fast bowler put on a brilliant exhibition of swing and seam bowling, making it tough for batters in the middle.
Worrall's tight bowling came in an edition of The Hundred where run-scoring has been difficult. It’s more striking because just months back was an IPL season which saw unprecedented scoring rates.
Several players participating in the competition attribute the exaggerated movement of the ball to The Hundred’s logo imprinted on it, according to a Telegraph Sport report. They believe it to be the major reason behind the lack of big scores in 2024.
"I do think they swing for a bit longer. I'm not sure why, but I’ve always felt the lacquer feels slightly different on the Hundred balls," pointed out London Spirit captain Heather Knight.
Sunrisers Hyderabad CEO Kavya Maran has called for the IPL to ban overseas players who withdraw from the tournament despite securing a contract.
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The report added: "The England & Wales Cricket Board discussed the balls informally on Monday. But there are no plans to change them mid-competition, with the ECB said to be unconcerned by the situation."
It’s worth noting that the design of the Kookaburra ball used in competition has remained unchanged since its inaugural edition in 2021.
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