Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently considering revision of two critical competition rules in past domestic and international competitions concerning KFC T20 Big Bash League, apart from the contentious playing inside rule.
No final decision has yet been made as to the retention of the two-guard clause and given situations indicate that such a review might be forthcoming. These laws apply to the Men’s Twenty20 domestic competition Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT).
The double-bouncer rule which was used domestically last season and later in the IPL was a breakthrough as it enabled bowlers to have some second bouncer within the same over.
Such is not the case in international cricket where there is a provision of only one wicket keeper per over. Over the years, the gantry area has had a positive disposition towards the rule especially during the Indians’ wild flirting drought. This seems to be in variance with the cricketing fraternity in the country who are currently reported as having been favorably inclined to the amendment and its enforcement.
“It is clear that you understand the impact player and two-guard rule are of relevance, but it’s business as usual for now for the company,” stated a state unit officer. With the introduction of these rules in SMAT, there is likelihood of their perpetuation in the IPL.
As concerns the proposal rules regarding the competition, well these are among the most common problems the BCCI has had due to failure to meet their earlier promise to provide the information within a short span of time.
First, it has been over three weeks since the board published its rules, guidelines and other playing conditions for other domestic tournaments for the upcoming season. Yet, state associations remain in the dark on whether to continue enforcing two specific provisions.
BCCI stated in a letter to the state associations dated August 5 earlier this year: “In regard to the 2024-25 domestic season we are sharing the following document for your perusal. 1. Instructions for the host association and participating teams; 2. Competition conditions; men’s multi-day competition; men’s single-day competition; Women’s multi-day competition; women’s one-day tour; women’s T20; under 15 women’s.
About the sharing of ‘men’s T20 match conditions’ as sent on the same day via email, there was a notice that the conditions will be available subsequently. However, there are plans for the SMAT tournament Schedules for November.
On a related note, the impact player rule has always been a bone of contention and debate in cricket. And, Zaheer Khan is generally regarded as a no-nonsense personality why would he endorse this un-brainer regulation. Although it is known that advantages for hard-nosed players and coaches have other opinions.
“There has been controversy surrounding the impact sub-rule. I want to state for the record that I fully endorse it. It does create opportunities to a large percentage of Indian talent who are not playing. This is something that will be seen in the Super League as the teams will pay attention. They are sold around that time.
“There is no space left for the semi-all-rounders now due to the Impact (rules) system. Only semi rounded Figure is positioned at a batting and bowling innings. But if you are a real all rounder, no one can stop you. Bat and ball talent will always add to shift wise value creation,” Zaheer stated at the latest event of Lucknow Supergiant in Kolkata.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah Zeng has informed he would be calling, and so he will keep in touch.
