Cricket: Tui Catch-a-Million promotion dismissed for upcoming cricket season

The return of the Tui Catch-a-Million promotion has been dismissed. Photo / Photosport

The chance to bank a hefty $50,000 while watching summer cricket could be a thing of the past.

After a two-year hiatus, the Tui Catch-a-Million promotion returned last summer with a massive $1,150,000 prize pool and rule changes that included a specified one-handed-six-catching zone.

However, New Zealand Cricket has indicated that the popular competition would not return this cricket season.

"I believe that's not happening this year," NZC manager public affairs Richard Boock told Stuff.

Boock did not specify why the controversial competition had been canned but it is understood that recent incidents and concerns over crowd safety were heavily considered.

With shots into the crowd increasing due to the use of bigger bats in 20/20 cricket, many fans voiced their concerns last season that the aggressive nature of the game on the small grounds meant the safety of spectators and children were being compromised.

Last summer, a fan in Nelson was left with a concerning ear injury that resulted in an ambulance visit after a six was diverted onto his head by the desperate hand of a Catch-a-Million punter.

Then-Black Caps coach Mike Hesson also voiced his concerns over the potential dangers of the promotion in the wake of worrying incidents including one where a young girl was toppled by a lunging orange-shirted man.

Four lucky punters took home a share of the cash prize last summer.

In the past two campaigns, Tui gave away $950,000 to nine winners.