Mumbai: Since its inception in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has evolved into the most competitive and popular T20 league in the world.
In fact, it would be no exaggeration to say that IPL has changed the way cricket is played, especially the shortest format.
As the annual cricket festival returns to captivate the sports-crazy country, there is heightened anticipation and expectation of dazzling action from the world’s biggest stars.
So what’s new in the upcoming 16th season of IPL?
For starters, the home-and-away format will be back for the first time since 2019.
There is no bigger thrill for fans than to see a Virat Kohli performing for Royal Challengers Bangalore at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium, or a Rohit Sharma playing a blinder for Mumbai Indians at the packed-to-the-rafters Wankhede Stadium. And, of course, MS Dhoni leading Chennai Super Kings in front of 40,000 adoring supporters at MA Chidambaram Stadium.
COVID-19 pandemic had led to a pause in IPL’s home-and-away fixtures as the tournament was shifted to the UAE in 2020 and 2021, while in 2022 it was held at a limited number of venues in India.
Starting tomorrow, when champions Gujarat Titans take on Chennai Super Kings at the massive Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad, the 10 participating teams will be travelling the length and breadth of the country to play 9 home matches and 9 on the road in the frenetic league stage.
Besides normal services being resumed vis-à-vis venues, there are 2 major innovations that will be tried out at IPL 2023.
Playing XI After Toss
In the near 150-year history of cricket, the toss has always played a critical role. The team whose captain calls correctly when the coin is tossed up generally starts with an advantage. In IPL 2023, the captains will have the liberty of finalising their teams after the toss.
The idea of this new rule is to lessen the impact of toss and allow both teams to pick their most suitable XIs based on whether they will bat or bowl first.
Apart from the 11 players, teams will have to name 4 substitute players.
The South Africa T20 league tried this innovation during its inaugural season earlier this year, with teams jotting down 13 names on the team sheets before identifying their final XIs after the toss.
Introduction Of Impact Player
All teams will be able to use an Impact Player – a substitute who can come in to bat and bowl.
Teams can name their Impact Player from among the 4 substitute cricketers listed during the toss.
However, there is an important restriction in the use of an Impact Player. If a team already has 4 foreign players in the XI, the Impact Player must be an Indian. In case any team has opted to field 3 foreign cricketers in a particular game, then the Impact Player can be an overseas player.
“This will add a new tactical, strategic dimension to the game. A number of team sports such as football, rugby, basketball, baseball allow teams to make tactical substitutes. The substitute is allowed to perform or participate like any other regular player,” an IPL release stated ahead of the player auction.
A captain can bring the Impact Player before the start of an innings, at the end of an over, at the fall of a wicket or when a batter retires.
If the bowling side introduces Impact Player during an over — at the fall of a wicket or if a batter retires — that particular player will not be allowed to bowl the remaining balls of the over.
Other Changes In Playing Conditions
* Only 4 fielders will be allowed outside 30-yard circle for every over not completed in stipulated time
* Unfair movement of wicketkeeper will result in dead ball and 5 penalty runs to opposition
* Unfair movement by a fielder will result in dead ball and 5 penalty runs to opposition.
