- The English cricketing summer faces potential disruption due to a shortage of Dukes cricket balls, the sole supplier for red-ball cricket in England.
- Speaking to the Daily Mail, Dukes owner Dilip Jajodia warned of a "major crisis" impacting the supply of the 4,000-5,000 balls needed annually for Test and first-class cricket.
- The shortage is attributed to severe supply-chain issues, including logistical logjams and airlines refusing freight, caused by the Iran-US war.
- Shipping costs for balls, which are stitched in South Asia before distribution from Walthamstow, have significantly increased from approximately $5 per kilo to $15 per kilo.
- As a result, clubs may face rationing, initially receiving only 50 per cent of their required balls for the County Championship season, which commences on 3 April.
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