Big Bash: DRS and time cap added while two innovations scrapped for upcoming season

Tom Naghten

Big Bash: DRS and time cap added while two innovations scrapped for upcoming season image

Cricket Australia has confirmed the introduction of the decision review system (DRS) into the BBL for the upcoming season, while two recent innovations have been scrapped.

Teams in all BBL12 games will have to the option to review umpires' decisions - they'll be granted one incorrect review per team, per innings.

While DRS will also be available in 24 of 59 WBBL8 games, depending on how they are being broadcast.

Part of the hesitance to bring DRS into the Big Bash stemmed from fears around the length of games but Cricket Australia has, at least for the men's competition, attempted to remedy this by introducing a time cap for the upcoming season.

Fielding teams must commence the final over within 79 minutes (plus allowances) of the start of the innings.

Failure to do so will see the fielding team limited to four players outside the circle for the remainder of the innings.

It's also been confirmed the Power Surge - a two-over block between overs 11-20 in which the fielding team is permitted two players outside the circle - has been added to the WBBL.

On the other hand, we've seen the last of the Bash Boost point and X-Factor substitution, scrapped after two seasons in the competition.

Big Bash boss Alastair Dobson said it was pleasing to be able to bring DRS into the competitions.

"Implementing DRS has been a challenging task for the BBL, which is the most logistically complex T20 league in the world," Dobson said.

"That, plus the impact of the pandemic on travel and movement, have meant the technology has not been possible to introduce until this season.

"We retain a clear desire to innovate and drive our Leagues forward but are also willing to review decisions that have not realised the intended positive impact, such as the Bash Boost point and X-Factor substitution."

WBBL8 gets underway on October 13, while BBL12 kicks off on December 13.

 

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.