BCCI announces various changes ahead of IPL 2022

Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 is just around the corner, and there are some significant changes in the rules this time around. One of the main changes is the inability of a side to field eleven players and have one substitute due to the COVID-19 situation in the team. 

“The BCCI, at its discretion, will attempt to reschedule the match for later in the season. If this is not possible, the issue will be referred to the IPL Technical Committee. The decision of the IPL Technical Committee will be final and binding,” said a BCCI communique. 

This is a shift from the previous rule, which said that the board “will attempt to reschedule the match for later in the season. If this is not possible, the franchise will be deemed to have lost the match with its opponent being awarded 2 points.” This would be great news for the teams as they are helpless when it comes to the COVID situation and this rule safeguards them from losing those two points.

Another change that will really help the franchises is increasing the number of reviews available. Earlier teams had only one referral per innings, but now the teams will have two reviews per innings. This will reduce the probability of teams suffering due to a poor decision by the on-field umpires. 

The BCCI has also accepted the other MCC suggestions and has incorporated that even if batters have crossed during a catch, the new batsman will only take strike. 

“Upon a catch dismissal, irrespective of whether the batsmen have crossed or not the incoming batsman will take the strike, except if it’s the last ball of the over,” the BCCI informed the teams.

The board has also provided clarity regarding the rules in a super over. “If conditions do not permit a Super Over, or subsequent Super overs within the time available to determine the winner as described, then the team which, at the end of the relevant regular season, finished in the higher position in the league table will be deemed the winner of the relevant play-off match,” the rules state.

The rules also mention that BCCI has the discretion to host the Playoffs at any venue it finds suitable. It is noteworthy that the league stage is scheduled to be played in Mumbai and Pune only. According to reports, the playoffs will be staged in Ahmedabad. 

The final announcement was in relation to the closing ceremony of IPL 2022. "BCCI shall (at its cost) be entitled but not obliged to organise the closing ceremony in respect of the League which, if staged, shall (unless BCCI in its discretion decides otherwise) take place on the day and at the Stadium where the final is played." 

The board has clearly communicated everything to the franchises to avoid any communication in the future.