Melbourne: Big Bash League (BBL) on Monday introduced three new rules 'Power Surge', 'X-factor Player' and 'Bash Boost' ahead of the tenth edition which is scheduled to start on December 10. BBL has unveiled these changes to drive the interest of fans through the course of the T20 tournament.
The 'Power Surge' will consist of a two-over period where the fielding side is allowed only two fielders outside the inner ring. The batting side can take it at any given time from the 11th over of the innings onwards. Meanwhile, the Powerplay at the start of the innings has been reduced to four overs.
The 'X-factor Player', who is named as the 12th or 13th player, can get into the game at the 10th over of the first innings, replacing any player who is yet to bat, or has bowled no more than a single over.
The 'Bash Boost' will be a bonus point awarded halfway through the second innings. The team chasing will receive the bonus point if they're above the equivalent 10-over score of their opposition, while if they're trailing, the fielding side will receive the point.
Teams will also now be awarded three points for winning the match, as opposed to the traditional two."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,'' said Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia's Head of Big Bash League.
"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 field," he added.
Trent Woodhill, the BBL's player acquisition and cricket consultant, said the best T20 leagues in the world are the ones that ''innovate, push the boundaries and challenge the status quo.''
''There's now more emphasis on the role of the coach, more for our fans to look forward to and more for our broadcasters to speak to during each BBL game,'' Woodhill said.(UNI)