BBL 2020-2021: Keep Bowlers in Mind When Thinking About Innovation Says Pragyan Ojha on New BBL Rules

Former Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha has recently opened up on the ‘New Rules’ the Big Bash League (BBL) has introduced for the upcoming tournament. The left-hand spinner believes that one should keep the bowlers in mind while introducing such rules in the shortest format of the game.

Big Bash League, few weeks ago introduced 3 new rules for the upcoming BBL season — Power Surge, X-Factor and Bash Boost.

Speaking on ‘Power Surge’ Rule, the 34-year old said that this rule doesn’t consider bowlers and is pushing the bowlers to the corner. He even said that these rules are not letting the bowlers ‘breathe’.

“Power Surge, it’s a brilliant thing. But the only problem I have here is what about the bowlers? I always advocate for the bowler because every rule is now pushing the bowler to a corner. No ball, overstepping, there is a free hit, there’s a bouncer no-ball, there is a free hit and if there is an extra-fielder outside the ring, there’s a no-ball. A lot of things are not letting the bowlers breathe.

“So I feel, every time, they think about innovation, they should think about the bowlers also to make it interesting. Everything is welcome, but at the same time, please give the bowlers some breathing space,” said Ojha in the latest episode of Cricket Talk with Cricketers on Sports Today.

Speaking on ‘X-factor’, Ojha said,”When you talk about X-factor, it’s a very good thing. With the dew factor, you can get in a fast bowler. At times, you see some of your bowlers are under bowled and when you know, you need to chase a big score, you can get in as an extra bowler. At times, when you don’t use a couple of batsmen, then you can use a bowler.”

The Three New Rules Of Big Bash League (BBL):

Power Surge:

This rule will bring changes in the powerplay rule. Powerplay at the start of the innings has been reduced to four overs. The batting side can take the remaining two overs at any given time from the 11th over of the innings onwards.

X-Factor:

The X-factor is a Super Sub, but with minor changes. X-factor will be named as the 12th or 13th player. He can get into the game at the 10th over of the first innings, replacing any player who is yet to bat, or has bowled no more than a single over.

Bash Boosts:

Every winning team can get four points- instead of the previous two – with three points available for the outright victory and the extra point being given to the team who is ahead on the comparison at the 10-over mark of the chase.