BCCI's new plan might change IPL forever: Details here
What's the story
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is looking to revolutionize the IPL, as it plans to introduce a concept, 'Power Player' from 2020. Similar to football, the teams would be allowed to substitute players rather than having a fixed XI. Although the BCCI is in its favor, the final decision would be taken post a meeting with the IPL Governing Council.
The concept
15 players to be announced during match
Speaking on the concept, a BCCI official said that a total of 15 players would be announced for the match, and substitutions could take place anytime during the match. "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 told the agency, IANS.
Information
An interesting concept as the substitute could become a match-winner
"Imagine you need 20 runs off the last six and you have Andre Russell sitting in the dug-out, as he wasn't part of the original XI. But now, he can just walk in and go slam-bang and win you the game," the official added.
Scenario
Same could be the case while defending a target
The official further explained its impact on the bowling team. "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," he added.
Rationale
Why is the concept being introduced?
Speaking on the introduction of the system, the official said that the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council were looking to make the tournament bigger and better, as the decision on the same would be taken during Tuesday's meeting. He also said that besides this concept, further discussions would take place on how to keep the fans engaged, even more, during the tournament.
Do you know?
IPL 2020 to begin in April, auction on December 19
As of now, the IPL 2020 is set to be held from April to May 2020, while Mumbai Indians (MI) are the defending champions, having won it record fourth time in 2019. Prior to the tournament, the auction would be held on December 19.
Author's take
Interesting concept, an inspiration from football
While the final decision is yet to be taken, the concept sounds like an interesting one. It is more or less a similar concept derived from football, where a maximum of three-player substitutions are allowed. The author feels that a similar cap limit should be placed here as well, besides making sure that a substituted player cannot be substituted back.