Cricket Australia has unveiled a significant tactical shift for the upcoming Big Bash League season, confirming the introduction of a new 'designated player' rule. This innovative change is designed to keep star players on the field longer and inject fresh strategic thinking into the tournament.
How the New BBL Rule Will Work
The new initiative will permit each team to nominate one player from their starting eleven as a designated batter. If they exercise this option, they must also name a designated fielder who will take the batter's place in the field. The designated fielder is not permitted to bowl but can take up the wicketkeeping gloves.
This means the chosen batter will only be required to bat, while their substitute handles the fielding duties for the entire innings. The rule aims to manage player workloads and mitigate injury risks, particularly for those returning from international duty or veterans managing their bodies.
Ponting and Maxwell Weigh In on the Impact
Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting labelled the change "interesting," suggesting it could serve multiple purposes. He believes it will help extend the careers of ageing T20 specialists like Chris Lynn and Mitch Marsh, while also making the tournament more appealing to Test stars such as Travis Head.
"To me it seems to be introduced for a couple of reasons," Ponting said on Channel Seven. "To try and keep some of our ageing stars in the tournament a little bit longer... And to be able to bring some of the youngsters in the group and get them involved in the field."
Ponting added that for a player like Head, who has had a heavy international schedule, the prospect of "turn[ing] up and bat[ting] only, and not worry about fielding to pick up an injury, that might appeal to him."
All-rounder Glenn Maxwell highlighted the developmental upside for emerging talent. He recalled his own early career experience of fielding for Victoria without batting or bowling as a formative highlight.
"To play domestic cricket and be around the change room as a young player, it could be really exciting for young guys getting opportunities to be out there on the ground," Maxwell said.
Strategic Benefits and Future Application
BBL player acquisition and cricket consultant Trent Woodhill stated the rule would add a fresh layer of strategic decision-making for clubs. He said it helps "impactful players stay involved in as many moments of each game as possible" and that feedback from players globally has been very positive.
Ponting also pointed out a potential niche benefit: giving promising young wicketkeepers, who may not yet be polished T20 batters, a chance to experience high-pressure match environments.
While acknowledging he would have felt "embarrassed" to only bat, Ponting emphasised the greater good for the competition. "What this tournament doesn't want is to have these guys not playing... we want to be seen the best players play," he said.
The new rule will not apply to the WBBL for the coming season, though the league will continue to review its potential application in the women's competition in future years.
