In the recent 19th Apex Council meeting, BCCI announced a few changes for the upcoming domestic season. A few changes made for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy might also come into effect in the Indian Premier League. On that note, here, we take a look at two new rules by BCCI for SMAT that might also be introduced in IPL 2024.
1) Teams will have to select their playing XI along with 4 substitute players before the toss
The ‘Impact Player’ rule was one of the major changes done for IPL 2023. This was first experimented in SMAT before implementing in the IPL. In the existing rule, teams need to announce their playing XI after the toss. This made it easy for the captain to change their combination depending on whether they are batting first or bowling first.
However, it is likely to change for the next season. The teams will have to announce the playing XI before the toss. The four substitutes also need to be named. Therefore, it will give an even equation between the teams. The tactics of substitution will also improve by the team management.
2) Two bouncers allowed per over
Allowing two bouncers per over is one of the new rules by BCCI for SMAT that might also be introduced in IPL 2024. One more important decision is giving the bowlers a chance to execute two bouncers an over. This would make the games interesting between the bat and the ball.
It would actually be a landmark change of rule as it could alter the dynamics of how the T20 game is played. Batters might have to re-invent further while the bowlers will get one more weapon to improve their economy or even take wickets if their execution is good. It is likely that this rule will also be taken to IPL, especially if it finds success in SMAT.
