There is no ban on number 69 in cricket, nor has the International Cricket Council (ICC) imposed any official ban on it. However, some national cricket boards do not allow the use of this number. The reason behind this is the double meaning and sexual meaning of this number. Some cricket boards consider it wrong. Players usually choose numbers based on their preference or belief, unless the number has already been assigned to another player on the team. Here, we will tell you about the controversy surrounding number 69 in cricket and why some cricket boards do not allow its use.
What is the controversy regarding number 69 in cricket?
There is no official international ban on the number 69 in cricket, but some national boards, such as the New Zealand Cricket Board, do not allow its use. This number is considered controversial because of its double meaning and sexual meaning. Players are generally allowed to choose any number between 1 and 99, as long as that number is not already assigned to another active player.
What is the New Zealand Cricket Board’s stance on number 69?
New Zealand Cricket Board is one of the boards which has banned this number. Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson wore the number 69 jersey during his domestic career, but when he made his international debut for New Zealand, he was asked to change his number. The board clarified that 69 is the only number between 1 and 99 which has been banned due to its sexual connotation.
What is the policy of other cricket boards regarding number 69?
Apart from the New Zealand Cricket Board, no other cricket board has publicly confirmed the ban on number 69, but many players deliberately avoid using this number to avoid controversy. This number is rarely seen in countries like England and Australia, but there is no controversy about it in Indian cricket. Currently, Indian player Karun Nair wears jersey number 69.