BBL adds three new rules for 10th edition to 'blow up' regular patterns of T20 contest

Ahead of the 10th edition of Australia's Big Bash League (BBL), the tournament has introduced three new rules - Power Surge, X-factor Player and Bash Boost - for the event starting from December 10. The raft of changes are designed to "blow up" what he considers the regular patterns of a T20 contest, league's consultant Trent Woodhill said.

All three rules are designed to maximise interest throughout the full 40 overs of a contest. 

Power Surge: 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.

X-factor Player: An X-factor Player is named as either the 12th or 13th player on the team sheet. He can come into the game beyond the 10th over of the first innings and replace any player who is yet to bat or has bowled no more than one over.

Bash Boost: 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.

Entertainment levels

“The Power Surge, X-Factor and Bash Boost prioritise high scoring, exciting cricket, introduce new strategic angles and ensure there’s always something to play for throughout the entire match," - Head of BBL, Alistair Dobson #BBL10 pic.twitter.com/Nacna2XHw9

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) November 15, 2020

Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia's (CA) Head of Big Bash League, said: "The introduction of these new innovations is yet another reason why the KFC BBL10 seasons is set up to be the most exciting in the League's history.

"The Power Surge, X-Factor and Bash Boost prioritise scoring, exciting cricket, introduce new strategic angles and ensure there's always something to play for throughout the entire match.

"We're confident our fans will love what these innovations bring to the game as many of the world's top T20 players, plus our next generation of Australian stars, bring them to life on the field."

Woodhill observed: "The best T20 leagues across the globe are the ones that continue to innovate, push the boundaries and challenge the status quo. The introduction of these new Playing Conditions firmly puts the KFC Big Bash League in that category.

"There's now more emphasis on the role of the coach, more for our fans to look forward to and more for our broadcasters to speak to during each KFC BBL game.

"Despite the challenges of this winter, we've got more star overseas players coming to the KFC BBL than ever before and now an ambitious set of innovations to shake up the League. I can't wait to see our players and coaches embrace these new concepts."