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Westpac 'Keep the Ball' coming to Big Bash Leagues
November 6, 2025
Big Bash fans have the opportunity to take home a piece of the action this summer with the introduction of the Westpac ‘Keep the Ball’ initiative.
Westpac Keep the Ball explainer video
Any ball which is hit or bounces into the crowd during the first over of each innings, across both Weber WBBL and KFC BBL, can be kept by the member of the crowd it lands with.
Inspired by the traditions of Major League Baseball, Westpac Keep the Ball will create memorable moments for fans and drive deeper connection with their favourite players and teams.
The initiative is the product of true collaboration between Westpac and the Big Bash Leagues to drive innovation and further enhance the matchday experience.
How it works:
Each innings begins with a Westpac-branded match ball
lf the ball enters the crowd during the first over, the fan it lands with can keep it
Umpires will carry spare balls to maintain game flow
At the end of the first over, a new ball is introduced for competitive consistency and used for the remainder of the innings
Westpac Keep the Ball will further raise the bar for interactive fan experiences in the Big Bash Leagues and create opportunities for epic moments to be shared across socials.
To ensure consistency, the League’s Playing Conditions have been modified, and a new ball will be introduced for the second over of each innings and will remain in play for the remainder of that innings.
Further adjustments to the Playing Conditions include stronger in-game penalties for slow over rates.
As per previous seasons a countdown timer will be in place for each innings. Once time expires, teams are required to bring an additional player inside the fielding restriction circle immediately.
The timer will immediately reset (5mins for BBL, 5:45mins for WBBL) after hitting zero and if time expires again before the conclusion of the innings, full power-play conditions will exist for the remaining deliveries.
Due to the strengthening of in-game penalties, for the first time there will be no post-match fines and other penalties for teams not completing their overs in the allocated time.
A full list of playing conditions for the upcoming W/BBL seasons can be found here.
Alistair Dobson, Executive General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, said:
“Westpac Keep the Ball is a celebration of our passionate fans and a chance to bring them closer to the game.
“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.
“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.”
Michelle Klein, Westpac’s Chief Growth, Brand & Marketing Officer, said:
“When we partnered with Cricket Australia & Big Bash Leagues, both sides really wanted to bring fans closer to the action by creating unforgettable memories in the stands. That’s what led to ‘Keep the Ball’.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the excitement it brings to every game, especially after seeing how well Westpac Catch & Keep worked in our Rugby League partnership.”
November 6, 2025
Big Bash fans have the opportunity to take home a piece of the action this summer with the introduction of the Westpac ‘Keep the Ball’ initiative.
Westpac Keep the Ball explainer video
Any ball which is hit or bounces into the crowd during the first over of each innings, across both Weber WBBL and KFC BBL, can be kept by the member of the crowd it lands with.
Inspired by the traditions of Major League Baseball, Westpac Keep the Ball will create memorable moments for fans and drive deeper connection with their favourite players and teams.
The initiative is the product of true collaboration between Westpac and the Big Bash Leagues to drive innovation and further enhance the matchday experience.
How it works:
Each innings begins with a Westpac-branded match ball
lf the ball enters the crowd during the first over, the fan it lands with can keep it
Umpires will carry spare balls to maintain game flow
At the end of the first over, a new ball is introduced for competitive consistency and used for the remainder of the innings
Westpac Keep the Ball will further raise the bar for interactive fan experiences in the Big Bash Leagues and create opportunities for epic moments to be shared across socials.
To ensure consistency, the League’s Playing Conditions have been modified, and a new ball will be introduced for the second over of each innings and will remain in play for the remainder of that innings.
Further adjustments to the Playing Conditions include stronger in-game penalties for slow over rates.
As per previous seasons a countdown timer will be in place for each innings. Once time expires, teams are required to bring an additional player inside the fielding restriction circle immediately.
The timer will immediately reset (5mins for BBL, 5:45mins for WBBL) after hitting zero and if time expires again before the conclusion of the innings, full power-play conditions will exist for the remaining deliveries.
Due to the strengthening of in-game penalties, for the first time there will be no post-match fines and other penalties for teams not completing their overs in the allocated time.
A full list of playing conditions for the upcoming W/BBL seasons can be found here.
Alistair Dobson, Executive General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, said:
“Westpac Keep the Ball is a celebration of our passionate fans and a chance to bring them closer to the game.
“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.
“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.”
Michelle Klein, Westpac’s Chief Growth, Brand & Marketing Officer, said:
“When we partnered with Cricket Australia & Big Bash Leagues, both sides really wanted to bring fans closer to the action by creating unforgettable memories in the stands. That’s what led to ‘Keep the Ball’.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the excitement it brings to every game, especially after seeing how well Westpac Catch & Keep worked in our Rugby League partnership.”
hit a first over six to keep his fans happy?
