10 runs for a long six? AB de Villiers opens up on Kevin Pietersen's rule change advice

AB de Villiers has reacted to Kevin Pietersen’s suggestion about changing the rule regarding the number of runs awarded when a player clears the boundary. As per the existing rules, if the ball is hit into or past the boundary, four runs are scored, or six runs if the ball does not hit the ground before crossing the boundary.

Currently, the maximum number of runs awarded for a shot is six. However, some experts have called for a rule change, suggesting that batters should be awarded more than six runs based on the distance covered by the ball.

Kevin Pietersen has been outspoken on this matter. The former England captain has consistently urged the game’s governing body to reconsider the rule. He first advocated for a change in 2021, proposing that a player should be awarded 12 runs if the ball covers a distance of more than 100 meters.

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He reiterated this stance recently after Heinrich Klaasen hit a massive six in the SA20. The ball covered a distance of 105 meters and landed on the roof of the stadium. As the video of the six went viral on social media, Kevin Pietersen took to X to express his view, stating:

“2 years I mentioned on commentary that I think a batter should get a 12 if he hits a six over 100m. That rule is on its way……………”

AB de Villiers reacts:

AB de Villiers recently reacted to Pietersen’s suggestion. The former South Africa captain called it a great idea and suggested that the players should be awarded 8 runs and not 12. He also called for better technology for the distance covered by the ball, writing:

“Great idea. 2 things from my side:

1. 12 is too big, I think 8 or 9(upside down 6) is good. Can’t jump from 4 to 6 to 12.

2. I’ve been saying for a while we need to get technology to be more accurate with the distance(like in golf). Absolutely can’t have some random guy in a box thumb-suck the distance. Been bothering me for ages.”

Great idea. 2 things from my side:

1. 12 is too big, I think 8 or 9(upside down 6) is good. Can’t jump from 4 to 6 to 12.

2. I’ve been saying for a while we need to get technology to be more accurate with the distance(like in golf). Absolutely can’t have some random guy in a…

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) January 21, 2024

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Writing further, AB de Villiers came up with another proposal to make the game more interesting for fans, writing:

“Last idea. Have the 3 on-duty commentators make drs/close call decisions and talk the public through it. Quick vote between the 3 if it’s out or not out, and then make the decision. Would be very entertaining with close calls(like whether the ball bounced with a catch or not).

“Or whether the snicko spikes happened at the time the ball actually passed the bat or not🤷‍♂️3 is better than 1😄”

Or whether the snicko spikes happened at the time the ball actually passed the bat or not🤷‍♂️3 is better than 1😄

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) January 21, 2024