In a surprising turn of events, an English Cricket Club has implemented a ban on hitting sixes following complaints from neighbors about property damage. Southwick and Shoreham Cricket Club, established in 1790 and located near Brighton, has introduced a strict new rule: players will not score runs for hitting a six, and a second six will result in the player being dismissed.

Neighbors complain as English Cricket Club bans sixes

The English Cricket Club is believed to have introduced the new rule banning sixes due to damage to residents’ cars and windows. Residents living near The Green in Southwick, the club’s home ground, had lodged complaints with the club.

According to the Daily Mail, one player expressed frustration with the decision, suggesting that people buying houses near a cricket ground should expect occasional cricket balls in their gardens. “Everything is about health and safety these days, and insurance companies are charging a fortune to cover sports clubs against accidental damage or injury. If you buy a house next to a cricket ground, you should anticipate a few cricket balls in your garden,” the player was quoted as saying.

Another player called the ban ‘ridiculous,’ arguing that it detracts from the enjoyment of the game. “How can you ban it? It’s ridiculous. Taking that away removes the joy of playing. I don’t agree with tinkering with the rules in this way,” the player stated.

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“It seemed like a sensible decision,” said the treasurer of Southwick and Shoreham Club

Mark Broxup, the treasurer of Southwick and Shoreham Club, defended the decision to ban sixes, citing the financial strain caused by property damage. “We decided to ban sixes after several incidents where cars, houses, and even roofs were damaged. We want to avoid expensive insurance costs and potential legal claims, so it seemed like a sensible decision,” Broxup told the Daily Mail.

Conversely, local resident Mary Gill welcomed the ban, noting that the small size of the ground has consistently led to damage from cricket balls. “I’ve lived here all my life, and I think the ban is a positive step. The ground is too small for the enthusiastic young players who just want to hit the ball as far as possible,” Gill said. She added, “My parents and grandparents lived here before me, and cricket balls have always caused damage.”