The Big Bash League has announced an array of match changes ahead of this year’s tournament.
New rules will see ‘Power Surge’, ‘Bash Boost’ and ‘X-Factor Player’ elements added as BBL organisers look to spice up the 10th edition.
It is hoped the new match conditions will drive even more interest and add to the excitement of BBL 2020-21, which gets underway on 10 December.
The Power Surge element will see the usual six-over powerplay – when only two fielders can be outside the inner ring – reduced to four. The batting side will then be handed the other two to be used at any given time after the 11th over.
The X-Factor Player rule gives the opportunity for a side to use a 12th or 13th player to replace someone on the team that hasn’t bowled more than one over or batted. The substitution can take place at the 10th over of the first innings.
Finally, the Bash Boost element is a way of scoring extra points from each fixture. It is a bonus point handed out at the midway stage of the second inning.
The team chasing will get the bonus point if they have made it above the equivalent 10-over score of their opponents from the first innings. However, if they are below the equivalent 10-over score then it is the fielding side that picks up the point.
It means a team can score a maximum of four points from each game. Three points are awarded for a win and one bonus point. Of course, it also means the losing side has a chance to bag a consolation bonus point even if staring defeat in the face.
Changes Aimed at Boosting Excitement
Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia‘s head of Big Bash League, said: “The introduction of these new innovations is yet another reason why the KFC BBL 10 season is set up to be the most exciting in the league's history.
“The Power Surge, X-Factor and Bash Boost prioritise scoring, exciting cricket, introduce new strategic angles and ensure there's always something to play for throughout the entire match.
“We're confident our fans will love what these innovations bring to the game as many of the world's top T20 players, plus our next generation of Australian stars, bring them to life on the field.”
