How has the Iran-Israel war disrupted the cricket matches in England? This 265-year old ball manufacturer rings alarm bells

English provincial clubs are preparing for the domestic red-ball season to start on April 3, with Dukes match ball stocks significantly reduced after the manufacturer cited major supply chain issues linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Dilip Jajodia, who has owned the historic firm for nearly 40 years, told Daily Mail, as quoted by TOI, that deliveries have been limited to 50 per cent of normal orders to manage the shortage.

How serious is the Dukes’ ball shortage in the districts?

“We are currently facing a major crisis because of this bloody Gulf war nonsense,” Dilip Jajodia told Daily Mail, as quoted by TOI. He explained that the company had to ration the clubs at the beginning of the season by providing them with only 50 percent of their balls. Therefore, districts will start the campaign with half the number of balls they normally need.

What’s causing the disruption in Dukes’ ball supply?

Dukes cannons use hides from British cows processed at Chesterfield, which are then shipped to South Asia to be hand-stitched before returning to the UK. “We have a lot of material ready to be shipped in factories in the subcontinent, but there is a logjam because the airlines are not picking up the cargo,” Jajodia said in the Daily Mail, via TOI. “Prices have also increased. A box containing 120 cricket balls would normally be charged around $5 a kilo by airlines. The last quote I got was $15 a kilo. Most of the stuff goes from the Middle East, but if all of a sudden there are rockets flying around, you’ve got a big problem.”

What is the ECB’s stance on ball supply?

The England and Wales Cricket Board told TOI that there were no immediate concerns. The Board stated that Professional County Clubs received the same number of Dukes balls as they would normally have in pre-season. The ECB added that it is supplying balls in bulk based on demand from regions and that current supplies comply with these requirements. It has also been confirmed that there are no issues with ball availability in Test matches scheduled for later in the summer.

Why is the famine more important this year?

The ECB has decided to discontinue Kookaburra ball in parts of the County Championship from the 2026 season, making the Dukes the only red ball in the domestic competition. Dukes is currently exploring alternative shipping routes from the subcontinent to bypass Middle East air traffic disruptions.