On Thursday, January 15, the Big Bash League (BBL) announced a new rule in the league that will come into effect from the next season of the tournament – BBL 16.
The new rule is called the Designated Batter and Fielder Rule and will allow the teams to nominate a designated batter and fielder for all the matches they play from the next season.
Big Bash League (BBL) Introduces ‘Designated Batter & Fielder’ Rule
As per this new rule, the eight Big Bash League teams will be given the opportunity to nominate one player from their XI to act as the designated batter before the toss/bat flip.
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The player who would be nominated as the designated batter would only be allowed to bat in the match and would be restricted from taking the field as a bowler or a fielder.
At the change of innings, the designated batter will be replaced by the designated fielder, who would also be nominated before the bat flip.
However, the designated fielder would not be allowed to bowl but would be allowed to act as a wicketkeeper.
The biggest positive of this new rule is that the teams would not be forced to follow it in all the games and they can name a traditional playing XI if they choose not to nominate a designated batter or fielder.
Also, one thing to be noted here is that this new rule will only apply to the Men’s BBL and not the WBBL.
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The Big Bash was built on the spirit of innovation and evolution – Alistair Dobson
In an official statement, Cricket Australia’s general manager of Big Bash Leagues, Alistair Dobson, stated that they want to give the clubs more strategic options with this new BBL rule.
“The Big Bash was built on the spirit of innovation and evolution, and our new designated batter and fielder rule is about giving teams more strategic options and creating new dynamics for fans to enjoy,” said Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s general manager of Big Bash Leagues, as quoted by Cricket.com.au.
“Every fan wants to see the most explosive batters and electric fielders playing as many games as possible and we’re excited to see how clubs use this flexibility to shape matches in BBL|16.
“Throughout the consultation process, we were conscious of not wanting to change the fundamentals of the game but rather add an element that will add interest, strategy and entertainment.”
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More to follow…