Coming Soon Potentially In IPL 2020 - 15 Players Instead Of 11 And Power Player

During the World Test Championships, the cricketing world saw the use of a concussion substitute for players who were concussed on the field. In the previous decade, there was the super sub who could be used at a point in time but the rule was discontinued. However, with over 1000 Twenty20 Internationals being played and with the Indian Premier League revolutionising the format, the BCCI has planned something ambitious for Twenty20s in 2020 and it begins in the IPL. According to a latest proposal by the BCCI, they are planning to bring in the concept of Power Player in the 2020 edition. Teams will be allowed to substitute a player at the fall of a wicket or at the end of an over at any point in the game. A playing XI will not be announced but the squad of 15 will be named.

Speaking to IANS, a senior BCCI official said the concept has been approved but there will be more discussions about the proposal during the IPL Governing Council meeting that will take place at the BCCI headquarters on Tuesday in Mumbai. "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 official said. 

The official explained that this concept has the potential to change the match situation and make it more interesting. This will induce out-of-the-box thinking and strategising from the two teams which will engage the fans even further. The BCCI official explained a death overs situation in elaborating on the proposal.

"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.

Also Read | Andrew McDonald Appointed Head Coach Of Rajasthan Royals For IPL 2020

The 2020 IPL will be an important build-up for the Indian cricket team as it will be the year when the World T20 returns after four years. The event will take place in Australia on October 18 and will continue till November 15. West Indies are the current champions, having won the title by beating England in Kolkata in 2016 thanks to Carlos Brathwaite's four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes.

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