Dukes Ball Controversy Heats Up – Owner Dilip Jajodia Flies to London, Ready for Talks and Changes
LONDON: As the third Test between India and England at Lord’s enters its crucial phase, the controversy surrounding the Dukes ball has intensified. In response, Dilip Jajodia, the Indian-origin owner of British Cricket Balls Ltd—the manufacturer of Dukes balls—has personally arrived in London to address the issue and engage with cricketing authorities.
Jajodia, originally educated in Bengaluru before building a successful business career in UK, is now 81 years old and heads the company responsible for crafting the traditional Dukes ball. During the current Test series, and especially in the ongoing Lord’s Test, several Indian players—most notably Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj—have raised concerns about the rapid deterioration of the ball’s shape and condition. Even after multiple complaints, umpires reportedly refused to replace the ball on Friday, claiming it still passed the official gauge test. Ironically, when a new ball was eventually introduced, it too lost shape within just 10 overs, further fuelling the dispute.
Upon reaching London, Jajodia stated he is willing to meet with senior officials from both the BCCI and ECB to evaluate the situation. In media interactions, he appealed for patience and perspective from the players, reminding them of the long legacy and complexity behind the manufacturing of cricket balls.
“I urge players to be patient. Our company has been around since the 18th century, and making balls that meet ICC regulations, player expectations, and adapt to changing weather conditions is no easy task,” said Jajodia.
He acknowledged that factors like warmer UK weather and heavier modern bats might be contributing to faster wear and tear of the ball. In light of this, he expressed readiness to make improvements in the ball’s design and construction, if necessary.
Jajodia, clearly frustrated by the criticism, added:
“Players can criticize my balls, then why can’t I point out their poor shots or bad bowling? Criticism should come with awareness. You’re not just criticizing me—you’re also indirectly dismissing the efforts of all my employees who produce these balls by hand. Their jobs are at stake too.”
Emphasizing his proactive approach, he concluded:
“I’m not sitting around smoking cigars or cigarettes with my feet up. We’re ready to review any flaws—whether it’s the leather or something else. But let’s approach this with mutual understanding and respect.”
As the series remains tightly contested, all eyes are now on how the Dukes ball saga unfolds and whether any immediate steps will be taken to modify or replace the controversial balls.
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