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BBL New Rules: Big Bash League Mulls Over Innovational Rules Which Can Change Cricket

Bhargav Dixit

Rules change quite often in the BBL. [Source: @BBL/X]Rules change quite often in the BBL. [Source: @BBL/X]


Just over half-a-decade after first introducing three innovative rules in a bid to allure fans towards the Big Bash League, creative minds at CA (Cricket Australia) are mulling over launching several rule changes to make their premier competition even more entertaining. It is noteworthy that the latest proposals have it in them to tinker with the basic nature of the sport.

As per a report in The Sydney Morning Herald, as many as four changes could be made to the existing BBL rules. Having previously annulled two out of three rule changes after persisting with them for just a couple of seasons, it would be interesting to see how long BBL sticks to its decisions this time around.

“High-level discussions have taken place in Cricket Australia about significant rule changes for BBL15, including a left-field proposal for double play run-outs, where two batsmen could be dismissed in the same delivery. Multiple cricket sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity in order to speak freely, have confirmed rule-change proposals are being workshopped behind closed doors and are being seriously considered for next summer,” the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Assuming each one of them gets implemented, four new rule changes will be:

Designated Batter And Fielder

Having unsuccessfully experimented with the X-factor player during BBL 10 & 11, BBL 15 could feature teams naming a designated batter and fielder before the toss. While the named batter will bat during the batting innings, the designated fielder will do his thing during the bowling innings.

If implemented, such a rule will provide more space for international cricketers to partake in the tournament without compromising on their workload. Not that batting in a T20 match isn’t overtaxing but the cushion of not taking the field is likely to surge participation of first-choice batters.

“I’m a bit more of a traditionalist in picking your best 11 and finding your all-rounders. Does it lean too heavily into a batter-friendly game like we’ve seen in the IPL? Selfishly, though, if they just need specialist fielders, I’d probably get a gig for longer,” Sydney Sixers batter Jordan Silk, arguably the best fielder in the BBL, was quoted as saying by SMH.



Double Play Run-outs

Irrespective of the format or the tournament, only one batter can be dismissed on one ball in cricket. The new rule, however, is open to the probability of fielding teams being allowed to dismiss two batters on the same ball. The same will happen through run-outs on both sides of the pitch. Assuming it is green signaled, it will be a groundbreaking change for cricket.

Maiden Overs

Another proposal puts forward the possibility of a batter getting out upon facing a maiden over. Additionally, any bowler who bowls a maiden over will be allowed to bowl a fifth over in the same innings.

As of now, the maximum which a bowler can bowl in a T20 are four overs. The first phase of the rule encompasses ambiguity though. Imagining that batters run a leg bye somewhere in the over, who will be given out if two batters combine to face a maiden over?

It is noteworthy that a total of seven maiden overs have been bowled before the final match of the ongoing BBL 14.

Reduction In The Number Of End Changes

As is the case across formats, ends are changed after each over. Perhaps somewhat inspired from The Hundred, another rule aims to allow fielding teams to bowl two consecutive overs from one end. On top of that, a fielding captain will have the choice to use one bowler for both the overs.

One upshot of reduction in the number of end changes is the reduction of time needed to complete an innings. Therefore, resulting in short matches to make the BBL a win-win situation for everyone. For now, teams have to bowl their 20 overs within 79 minutes in a BBL contest.