By The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced new playing conditions for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, which begins on March 31. The most significant change is that IPL franchises can now decide on their playing XIs after the toss, instead of submitting the team sheets before the spin of the coin.
According to the new rule, each captain must nominate 11 players and a maximum of five substitute fielders in writing to the IPL Match Referee after the toss. No player can be changed after the nomination and prior to the start of play without the consent of the opposing captain, except as set out in Clause 1.2.9.
This change will allow the franchises to pick their best XIs based on whether they end up batting or bowling, and to include the appropriate impact player. It is hoped that this will lessen the impact of the toss and benefit teams at venues where the dew has a significant impact on the outcome.
The IPL becomes the second franchise league after the SA20 to allow teams to decide on their playing XIs after the toss. In the SA20, teams were allowed to put 13 names on the team sheets before the toss.
Another significant change in the playing conditions is that wicketkeepers will be penalised for any unfair movement before the batter meets the ball. There will also be an overrate penalty of only four fielders outside the 30-yard circle for every over not completed within the allocated time.
In the last IPL season, teams winning the toss went on to win in 34 of the 60 games staged, not including Super Overs and no results. It is hoped that the new rule will help to level the playing field and create more exciting matches for fans.
The BCCI is expected to share the new playing conditions with the teams shortly, and they will come into effect from the start of the IPL season on March 31.