The Australian-based T20 league, Big Bash League, are considering introducing free hits after every wide ball by the bowlers from the upcoming edition.
Earlier, the batsmen were given a free hit after every no-ball, which meant that the bowlers had to be on their mark with every delivery. However, the recent introduction seems to make the game tougher for the bowlers, with hardly any room for errors and mistakes.
The BBL authorities are also considering introducing five other rule changes to make the league more attractive and popular.
Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association will be briefed about the rule changes at a meeting in July, which will be headed by Alistair Dobson, head of the Big Bash Tournament Committee.
The rule changes that are being considered are –
- Bonus points available to teams for their progress at the 10-over point of an innings
- Substitutions also allowed within that same period
- Powerplay split between the first four overs of the innings and two overs floating elsewhere
- Free-hits for the bowling of wides
- The addition of extra breaks for advertisements and player strategy after every five overs. 6. A draft for overseas players is also expected to be up for consideration