The new rule will not be applicable to Women's BBL 12 season.
The Big Bash League (BBL) has announced a new playing condition for the next season of BBL in 2026-27, or BBL 16. This new playing condition will see each side naming a ‘designated batter and fielder’ for each game before the bat flip.
This rule is an evolved version of the X-factor rule that was introduced in BBL 10. According to the X-factor rule, a player not named to the Playing XI could replace someone who had yet to bat or bowl only one over.
However, teams could only apply the 'X-factor player' rule in the tenth over of the first innings, which favored the chasing team.
However, the new ‘designated batter and fielder’ concept is similar to IPL’s ‘Impact Player’ rule, which allows one of the five players named on the bench to be subbed in at any point during the match.
“Before the bat flip (BBL’s version of a coin toss), the teams have the option to nominate a player from their Playing XI to act as the designated batter. This player can bat but is not permitted to field or bowl. If naming a designated batter, the teams must also name a designated fielder. This player is not permitted to bowl but may be the wicketkeeper. If a team chooses not to nominate a designated batter, they will name a traditional playing XI,” BBL posted on X.
While the rule won't apply in WBBL 12, the league said it would continue to review the potential application for future women's seasons.
“The Big Bash was built on the spirit of innovation and evolution, and our new designated batter and fielder rule is about giving teams more strategic options and creating new dynamics for fans to enjoy.
Every fan wants to see the most explosive batters and electric fielders playing as many games as possible, and we’re excited to see how clubs use this flexibility to shape matches in BBL 16,” said Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s general manager of BBL.
Top Test batters like Travis Head and batting juggernaut Chris Lynn, who is nearing the end of his career, would profit from the designated batter rule, which would enable better player management and serve as a stimulant to prolong careers in the BBL.
Teams may try to lengthen their batting order by using a non-batting specialist wicketkeeper to assume the position behind the stumps as the designated fielder, since the regulation does not prohibit the designated fielder from serving as wicketkeeper.