Southwick and Shoreham Cricket Club, one of the oldest cricket clubs in the world, have imposed a ban on the players from hitting sixes.
According to a report by Daily Mail, the decision was taken in the wake of a series of complaints from the neighbours, who claim that their house windows, cars, sheds and even people have been in the wrath of big hitters at Southwick and Shoreham Cricket Club, formed in 1790 near Brighton.
Consequently, the clubs have altered the rules of the game where the first six will be counted as no runs while if a batter hits another one during an innings on the Green, he will be adjudged out.
One of the club batters heavily criticised the newly introduced rule and termed it “ridiculous”.
“Hitting the bowler for a six out is part of the glory of the sport. How can you ban it? It’s ridiculous.
“To take that away removes the joy of it. I don’t agree that the rules should be tinkered with in this fashion.”
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
Another batter said: “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 West Sussex club was founded during George III’s reign. The residential dwellings encircle the ground, which has brief boundaries. The club has installed nets, but the surrounding trees limit the heights.
The prohibition was supported by Mary Gill, 80, whose family has resided besides the Green in a Grade II-listed cottage for generations.
“I’ve lived here all my life and I think the ban is a good thing.
“It’s a very small ground and can’t accommodate the testosterone-fuelled young men who come along and just want to hit the ball as far as they can.
“My parents and grandparents lived in this house before me and cricket balls were always sailing over and causing damage. Over the years we’ve had tiles smashed off the roof, windows broken and all sorts.”
READ: Pakistan’s Arslan Ash becomes five-time EVO Tekken champion