BCCI In Thoughts To Introduce ''Power Player'' Concept In IPL

The Board of Control for Cricket in India comes up with a unique concept to introduce ”Power Player” Rule to the game of cricket. The Board is mulling to bring it to Indian Premier League in the next season. However, in between, they would like to try it out in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

The latest concept will allow the batting or bowling team to bring in their substitution at any point in time. It means that the team will give a whole of 15 members list ahead of the game, from which, the team can substitute the player at any stage of the game.

We are looking to introduce it to IPL – BCCI Official

Speaking of the same, the BCCI official quoted that the concept has already got the green signal and would like to introduce in the domestic format of the game. The result of it in the domestic cricket will help the officials to take a call on whether to introduce it to IPL or not.

“We are looking at a scenario where a team will not name the Playing XI. They will announce the 15 and a player can be substituted at either the fall of a wicket or at the end of the over at any point in the game. While we are looking to introduce it in the IPL, trying the concept first in the upcoming Mushtaq Ali Trophy could be the ideal way forward,” the BCCI official said to IANS.

Team can bring a substitute at any point in time:

Well, for example, if a team got players like Andre Russell or Hardik Pandya in the dugout warming the bench, the team can directly bring them into the play if they feel their requirement of scoring runs for the team. It may be at any point of time like if they require 20 runs off 6 balls and a bowler is at the crease, the team can bring in the substitute.

And the same goes for the bowling team as well. If they got 7 or 8 runs to defend in the final over and got someone like Jasprit Bumrah or Pat Cummins in the dugout, they can straightaway bring him into the play to finish the work for the team.

“Imagine you need 20 runs off the last six balls and you have Andre Russell sitting in the dug-out as he wasn’t a hundred percent and wasn’t part of the original XI. But now, he can just walk in and go slam-bang and win you the game.

“Similarly, say you need to defend six runs off the last over and you have someone like a Jasprit Bumrah sitting in the dug-out. So, what does the captain do? Brings in Bumrah at the end of the 19th over and there you go. The concept has the potential to change the game,” the official said.

Well, it is an interesting concept, which completely change the look of the game. It might go either way, as it might not taste good for a section of people while a few might welcome. However, you never know the pulse of the Indian Cricket fans.