New Delhi. The Indian Premier League has always been a symbol of not just cricket but energy, hustle and bustle and continuous activities. Players warming up on the side of the field, substitute players running around with drinks, and exchanging strategic messages between each over, all these scenes have become the hallmark of IPL but now this hustle and bustle is about to be curbed, because BCCI has issued a strict new instruction, which will completely change the activities around the field during the match.
Although BCCI has not given the official reason behind this decision, there could be possible reasons for it. Maintaining discipline on the field, reducing unnecessary crowding near the boundary, controlling outside interference and communication during the match.
Only 16 players allowed on the field, rules become stricter
Under the new rule, now only those 16 players whose names will be recorded in the official team sheet will be able to enter the field. This clearly means that the players who are not included in this list will not be able to step on the field under any circumstances. Carrying drinks, conveying strategic messages to players, giving bats or other equipment on the field, all these actions will now be banned if the player is not included in the named 16. Apart from this, the number of players present around the boundary line has also been limited. Now only a maximum of five players can wear bibs and stay near the boundary at a time. These five players can be from the 16 named or from the rest of the squad, but the number will not exceed five.
Big change for teams
Till now, there are about 25 players in the squads of IPL teams and many of them were active near the boundary line during the match. This provided strategic flexibility to the teams and allowed better communication between players. But after the new rule, there will be less crowd near the field, the role of non-playing players will be limited, teams will have to change their strategy and methods of communication. According to team officials, this instruction has recently been sent to all the franchises.
BCCI’s objective is still not clear
This new rule is not completely new, but rather it is like a more strict implementation of some of the already existing match playing conditions rules. Key Rules: Clause 11.5.2 regulates the taking of drinks onto the field and requires the umpire’s permission. Clause 24.1.4 requires non-playing players to wear bibs if they are in the playing area. Now BCCI has eliminated the ambiguity present in these rules and made it clear who will be on the field and who will not.
IPL has always been known for its glamorous and active atmosphere, but now this new rule can make that atmosphere a little restrained and orderly. While this change may not seem very big to the fans, it could prove to be a big strategic adjustment for the teams and players.
