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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Ricky Ponting and Glenn Maxwell share views on BBL Designated Batter and Fielder Rule
Speaking on 7 Cricket, the legendary captain Ricky Ponting said that this new rule will allow the ageing players to extend their time in the league. He elaborated:
“Look, it’s an interesting rule change, I think but I think it to me it seems to be designated for a couple of reasons. One, to try and keep some of our aging stars in the tournament a little bit longer.Someone like a Chris Lynn and even a Mitchell Marsh as examples there and be able to bring some young youngsters into the group and blood them on the field and get them involved and try and bring on their skills that way.
“The other thing, other way I think it could be used is for someone like Travis Heady, a returning international player that’s had a big summer already. I’m sure if you ask Heady now if he would like to turn up and bat only, not have to worry about fielding to pick up an injury, that might be a deal for him.”
During the same discussion, all-rounder Glenn Maxwell said that this new rule will give a good exposure to the young cricketers.
“Yeah and certainly for a young player, I know when I got the experience to field with the Victorian side and not really have to bat or bowl, I knew it was probably the highlight of my week getting the opportunity to be a part of the state team. So I think to play domestic cricket and be around a change room as a young player, it could be really exciting for young guys to get opportunities to be out there on the ground.”
