What Is the Controversy About Number 69 In Cricket: There is no ban on number 69 in cricket, nor is there any official ban on it by the International Cricket Council (ICC). However, some National Cricket Boards do not allow the use of this number. The reason behind this is the double meaning and sexual references of this number. Some cricket boards consider it unfair. Usually players choose numbers based on their preference or belief, provided that number is not owned by any other player in the team. Here we are going to tell you what is the controversy regarding number 69 in cricket and why some cricket boards do not allow the use of this number.
What is the controversy about number 69 in cricket?
There is no official international ban on the number 69 in cricket, but some national boards like the New Zealand Cricket Board do not allow the use of this number. This number is considered controversial due to its double meaning in sexual context. Players are generally allowed to choose any number between 1 and 99, provided that number is not already assigned to another active player.
What is New Zealand Cricket Board’s stance on number 69?
New Zealand Cricket Board is one of those boards which has banned this number. Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson used to wear jersey number 69 in his domestic career, but when he made his debut for New Zealand at the international level, he was asked to change this number. The board clarified that 69 is the only number between 1 and 99 that is banned due to its sexual connotations.
What is the policy of other cricket boards on number-69?
Apart from the New Zealand Cricket Board, no other cricket board has publicly confirmed the ban on number 69, but many players voluntarily do not use this number to avoid controversy. This number is rarely seen even in countries like England and Australia, but there is no controversy about it in Indian cricket. Currently Indian player Karun Nair uses jersey number 69.

