A new slow-over-rate rule will be introduced in both the men’s and women’s Big Bash League. Under the new regulation, if a team fails to complete its 20 overs within the allotted time, the remaining overs will have to be bowled with only two fielders allowed outside the circle, effectively turning them into a powerplay.
In recent seasons, teams in the men’s Big Bash have been given 84 minutes to complete their 20 overs, while the women’s competition has had a set time limit of 78 minutes and 45 seconds.
From the upcoming season, once those allotted time limits expire, most fielders will have to be brought inside the circle. Just like during a powerplay, only two fielders will be permitted outside the inner circle for the remaining overs.
International cricket already has an in-match penalty for slow over rates. However, under that system, failing to complete the required overs on time results in an additional fielder being brought inside the circle.
The Big Bash is now taking that punishment a step further by introducing a full powerplay-style restriction as its direct response to slow over rates.
As a result, batters could potentially benefit from more than just the four-over powerplay at the start of an innings and the two-over Power Surge, which can be taken at any point. Under the new rule, any overs remaining after the time limit could also effectively become additional powerplay overs.
There is, however, some relief for the fielding side. Since the punishment will now be imposed during the match itself, teams will no longer face fines or other post-match penalties for slow over rates in the Big Bash from the upcoming season.
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