AWKWARD CHANGES OF BIG BASH LEAGUE

Written By - SUBHRADEEP CHOUDHURY

Image Source - Wikipedia 

Whenever we discuss about the franchise Cricket of different countries, the Indian Premier League (IPL) always leads the chart in everyone’s mind. But the Big Bash League (BBL) has grown up quite impressively  giving the IPL a tough challenge. The Australian tournament brings up quality games, trimindous packaging and even makes sure that people of all ages will meet up during the game every year.
                                                     
The credit should go to Cricket Australia who has done a terrific job behind the continuous rise of the game by engaging the fans with the players in the game. Generally, players signing the caps of the kids, interacting with them and providing free seasonal tickets to the spectators for coming to the park are the works that they have done quite passionately. So,  Hats off to them !!!   
                           

Now, the question raises - If all the things are going nicely, why will you think of changes? Why will you fix something that ain't broken ? So, let’s take a look at some of the gaps of the tournament that the board is trying to address.

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Change Of Power-play :              

Naturally, the Power-play of an international T20 game or a franchise Cricket is of 6 overs. But the CA is looking to do something different .
           
Actually, they have split these 6 overs between the first 4 overs of the innings and the rest 2 overs in a different phase of the innings whenever they like. That’s really exciting. Isn’t it ??  The two set batsman in the middle are hitting the opposition out of the park and choose these couple of golden overs and that surely force the opponent to bring their champion bowlers into the attack. Just think of bowling the last two overs of an innings as powerplay overs. All in all, it will add an extra layer to it.

Image Source - Wikipedia 

Providing Bonus Point :            

The bonus point will be delivered to a team depending on the runs scored by them in the 10-over mark. That really sounds a bit weird. It took me some time to realize the fact. 
                                                 
It means if the opponent has made 160 in 20 overs after enjoying 100-2 in the half way, then just to achieve those extra bonus point, you have to make 101 in first 60 balls. Now, does it make any sense ?? Actually the rules, not being made public, can be changed in the later period. But why will you create such rules ?? Inform me in the comment box.

A Substitution During The Game :          

I am not confirmed about the rules. But still what I feel is that you may bring a specialized fielder during the game for a specified period of time. That's the most probable answer at my disposal.

More Breaks In The Game :

Everyone of Australia and England were laughing at those strategic time outs of the IPL just to show advertisements. But, what have they done now ? They have brought 4 breaks in every 5 overs just to show ads and teams strategy. I mean, it may end up killing the momentum of the game. Won’t it ? Ask yourself .

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Extra Free Hits :           

Now, free hit is something what a batsman always wants but the bowler doesn’t even like to hear about it. Currently, free hits are only for the no balls but BBL have brought nightmares for the bowlers by penalizing it as no balls for bowling wide deliveries.   

                       
So, you are trying a wide Yorker, or a short bouncer and that may result in a wide and the next ball will be a free hit !!!!... Pack up your bags bowlers.

Big Bash Drafting :                       

This can be a drafting where every franchise will have their own turn for picking their players. That’s not bad. But is it the main problem that the league is facing for quite some time ? 

                     
Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson have showed disappointment for the future of BBL. “ The one thing that the IPL and PSL do is make the quality of the Cricket, the product the number one priority. This is where the BBL has really lost its way."  So, in the end, everyone wants the game to be high which isn’t the case. Then, what’s the problem ? 

• First, you have distributed 90 first class players across 8 franchises. So,you have made the talent thin which already looks  a tiny one.   

• Just 2 overseas players and they are not always off the higher categories. That’s why the greats of Big Bash seem to be really colourless when they arrive to the IPL. It doesn’t mean that the Player has no quality but he is not of that caliber the IPL belongs to. 

• But the huge problem is not getting those famous International players. When the IPL is organised, the Indian team remain free for 2 and half months and that allows the top players like Kohli, Rohit, Ms , Bumrah to be available. But we can’t find Smith, Warner (twice the orange cap holder in the IPL) , Strac playing their tournament as they remain busy for the international commitment.

So, it doesn’t Matter how many excited rules you have made ; that  can only bring an extra talking point. Unless you enhance the quality of the game, no one will enjoy it for a longer period of time.  So, what do you think about the future of Big Bash? Do inform us in the comment box.

Thanks for reading !!!!