The Big Bash League(BBL) will introduce a new designated batter rule from season 16, adding greater flexibility and tactical depth to the competition.
The rule allows teams to make changes within their playing XI without using substitutions, giving more options to manage players during a match.
Under the new rule, teams can nominate one player as a designated batter before the toss.
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This player will be allowed to bat but will not be permitted to bowl or field. If a designated batter is named, teams must also nominate a designated fielder. The designated fielder can field and may act as the wicketkeeper, but will not be allowed to bowl.
For example, if a team has a specialist batter who struggles in the field, they can name him as the designated batter so he only bats. A separate player is then used purely for fielding when the team is bowling. This allows the team to strengthen its batting without weakening its fielding.
The rule is optional, meaning teams can choose to play with a traditional playing XI if they do not wish to use the designated batter option.
The change will apply only to the men’s Big Bash League and will not be used in the Women’s Big Bash League for now.
The designated batter rule is a modified version of the X-factor player rule that was previously used in the Big Bash. Unlike the X-factor, which allowed substitutions during the match, the new rule works within the selected XI and is designed to maintain the core structure of the game while adding strategic variety.