BBL takes a cue from IPL; all set to introduce strategic timeout

The ninth edition of the Big Bash League – BBL is expected to be a pulsating affair with the likes of greats like AB de Villiers set to grace the tournament with their precocious skills. Unlike other leagues that are literally a poor man’s doppelganger of the Indian Premier League, the Big Bash has managed to carve out a unique niche for itself courtesy a variety of innovations that they had brought about in the past seasons.

From using LED bails to implementing a rather radical concept of “bat flip” for the toss in place of a regular coin flip, the Big Bash has always constantly pushed the envelope. And, now in addition to the aforementioned concepts, the Big Bash has announced a new set of rules for the upcoming edition.

Multiple Super-Over in knockouts

It has been the topic of discussion in the annals of the cricketing folklore ever since England won the World Cup final on the basis of a boundary count after the super-over was also tied following the actual game. The rule had drawn major flake from the fans as well as pundits, forcing the ICC to make amends.

So, taking a cue from the fans’ demand for having multiple Super-Overs, the BBL organizers have announced that the rule will be implemented during the knockout stage of the ninth season. In case of a Super Over ending in a tie in a league-stage fixture, the match will be called a tie and points will be split.

However, if the same happens in a knockout game, then the teams will be able to play multiple Super-Overs until the emergence of a clear winner.

Time for  Strategic Time-outs in the Big Bash

The strategic time-outs have become a crucial part of the IPL, from a strategic point of view. Often we see, a team fighting back after a time-out. Taking a cue from the IPL, the BBL has decided to include the concept from the upcoming season. From the ninth season onwards, the batting side will get an opportunity to take a time-out between overs 7-13, with the break-in play to take place for a period of 90 seconds.

Commenting on the changes made to the playing conditions, Cricket Australia’s Head of BBL Alistair Dobson was quoted by Times Now, saying: “We are always looking for ways to improve the competition for our fans, players, and clubs. The super over has been a discussion point globally after the ICC Cricket World Cup Final. We are pleased to have landed on a solution that provides teams and fans with a more satisfying outcome to a finals match. The Strategic Time Out has been thought about and developed over the last couple of years, with input from key stakeholders in the game.”

The 9th edition of Big Bash League starts from December 17.

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