This year’s Big Bash League, BBL 2020-21, will be different in the literal sense with three rule changes being revealed by the organisers.
To keep the tournament interesting for fans and challenging for the players, Big Bash League unveiled the ‘Power Surge’, ‘X-factor Player’ and ‘Bash Boost’ rules ahead of the latest edition, set to kick-off on December 10.
The Power Surge will consist of a two-over period during which the fielding team is allowed only two players outside the inner fielding circle. The batting side can call for this at any point from the 11th over of their innings. The fielding restrictions replicate those of the usual Powerplay at the beginning of an innings. Meanwhile, the Powerplay has been reduced to four overs
The Super Sub is back, but with a tweak. At the 10-over mark of the first innings each team will have the chance to substitute one of their starting XI with either the 12th or 13th player who was on the nominated team sheet. However, the player being replaced can’t yet have batted in the match or can’t have bowled more than over. And the substitution of the player can only happen at the 10-over mark so, for example, if a bowler is injured in his first over early in the innings he can’t be replaced immediately.
The Bash Boost rule 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. However, 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.
