The Big Bash League is back for the 10th edition of the league and it promises to be a season like no other with updated rules, new squads and the ability to add of an extra overseas player in the playing XIs.
The dropping viewership rates had Cricket Australia concerned about the Big Bash League and it led to some tweaks in the rules that goes against some of the traditional rules that have been followed in the T20 format.
What are the rule changes?
‘Power Surge’ – The powerplay will now be split into four mandatory overs at the start and a two-over slab that is used at the discretion of the batting team. The batting team can use for this only after the 11th over of their innings. The fielding restrictions are same as that of the powerplay.
‘X-factor Player’ – Essentially a steal from te largely unsuccessful ‘super-sub’ rule, the X-factor player is named as either the 12th or 13th player in the team before the toss, and can be substituted in after the 10th over of the first innings. He replaces any player who is yet to bat, or hasn’t bowled more than one over.
‘Bash Boost’ – With this a bonus point is awarded to the chasing side if they are above the equivalent 10-over score of their opposition in the second innings. On the flip side, if they’re behind at the 10-over mark, the fielding side gets the additional point. Teams will also be awarded three points for a win.
Three overseas players
“The introduction of a third overseas player slot is a major milestone in the evolution of the KFC Big Bash League and a fitting way to celebrate the League’s tenth season. We know our fans want to watch the best players from around the world and this week, we’ve added three of the best in Dawid Malan, Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, plus a host of other top players. Now we’ve given our clubs the license to bring even more of these overseas stars to Australia,” Alistair Dobson, head of BBL, stated.
With three overseas slots, teams can now look to bring in more solid talent and give them more game time. It also improves on the quality of the league, something Cricket Australia have prioritised.
Excited to be back with BlueEnergy @strikersbbl for the #BBL 10 . @LiamOConnor09 @DannyBriggs19 pic.twitter.com/7HR9YPRkzJ
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) December 9, 2020
Venues
The early half of January will also see Big Bash League games in Queensland, Hobart and Adelaide. Later in the month, Melbourne and Sydney hosts matches as the season heads into the final few weeks.
There is a triple-header on Australia Day (January 26) as the season concludes with Melbourne hosting two games and Sydney hosting one.
“The league is delighted to confirm the boldest schedule in Australian sport since the pandemic began by committing to take matches to every club’s home market in KFC BBL|10,” Alistair Dobson, the head of the Big Bash, said. “This schedule is a testament to the strength of the league and ensures our fans around the country will get the chance to see their BBL clubs in action on home soil.”
Who are the strong teams?
Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars, finalists in the last season, are two of the strongest teams for the season. They have a strong squad base already with excellent local players and have added to those in the transfer window with several impressive signings from both within the country and outside. The Stars have made it to two successive finals while Sixers are the defending champions. Outside the two, Melbourne Renegades, who have Aaron Finch available for the entire season, and signed big players like Imran Tahir and Rilee Rossouw are strong contenders for the title.