BBL: What is 'Keep The Ball' rule in Big Bash League? All you need to know

By Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek has a Master's in Journalism and has written more than 50,000 articles. He currently works as a cricket content writer at Khel Now.

Published at :January 6, 2026 at 8:09 AM

Modified at :January 6, 2026 at 8:09 AM

Eight teams are locking horns for the title in BBL 2025-26.

The 15th edition of Australia’s domestic franchise tournament, Big Bash League (BBL), kicked off last month on December 14.

The BBL 2025-26 season will feature eight teams competing for the trophy: Sydney Sixers, Perth Scorchers, Melbourne Renegades, Brisbane Heat, Sydney Thunder, Hobart Hurricanes, Adelaide Strikers, and Melbourne Stars.

The maiden edition of BBL took place in 2011 and has entertained cricket fans over the years. Moreover, the tournament is also known for its unique and interesting rules, which make it different from conventional T20I cricket.

For instance, instead of a coin, BBL games observe a bat flip for the toss. Ahead of the 2025-26 season, the organisers introduced a new ‘Keep The Ball’ rule to attract and entertain spectators inside the stadium.

What is the ‘Keep The Ball’ rule in BBL?

Glenn Maxwell of Melbourne Stars (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

According to the ‘Keep The Ball’ rule, every ball that goes into the stands in the first over of every game in the BBL can be kept by the fans as a souvenir.

This initiative was sponsored by Westpac, a sponsor of the BBL, to make the league even more exciting for the fans. The rule has been inspired by a similar tradition in baseball, which has been in place in America’s Major League Baseball tournament for over a century.

Hence, each innings in the Big Bash League starts with a Westpac-branded Kookaburra ball. If the ball reaches the stands in the first over through a boundary or six, the fan who collects it can keep it. The on-field umpires have extra balls to replace them after the first over.

Notably, even if the ball doesn’t reach the stands in the first over, it is replaced from the second over. Hence, a new ball is used for the rest of the innings after the first over. The rule is implemented in both innings of the match.

What is the ‘Keep the Ball’ Rule in the Big Bash League?

According to the ‘Keep the Ball’ rule in the Big Bash League, every ball that is hit into the stands in the first over of every match can be kept by the spectators.

How many teams are locking horns in BBL 2025-26?

Eight teams are locking horns for the title in BBL 2025-26.

Who are the defending champions of the Big Bash League?

Hobart Hurricanes are the defending champions of the Big Bash League.

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Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.