Overview
- Teams may nominate a designated batter before the bat flip who can bat but cannot field or bowl, with a designated fielder then taking the fielding duties at the innings break.
- The designated fielder cannot bowl but may keep wicket, and if a team chooses not to use the option it can name a standard XI as usual.
- The change applies to the men’s competition from BBL|16, with the women’s league not adopting it at this stage as reviews continue.
- The move differs from the IPL’s Impact Player rule by requiring pre-match nomination and a fixed swap at the interval, with neither specialist allowed to bowl.
- Ricky Ponting and Glenn Maxwell endorsed the concept, saying it could extend careers of power-hitters like Chris Lynn, ease returns for Test stars such as Travis Head, and create fielding opportunities for younger players.