Former India wicketkeeper-batsman Deep Dasgupta said it’s important to endorse innovations in cricket, keeping in mind that the biggest stakeholders of the sport are its viewers.
Deep Dasgupta said if new rules and innovations are going to positively impact the commercial aspect of the game, then they should be endorsed and encouraged. Dasgupta added that credit should be given to anyone who is looking to help the game evolve, especially the shortest format of the game.
The former India wicketkeeper welcomed the new rules of Big Bash League (BBL) — Power Surge, X-Factor and Bash Boost, saying it’s important to laud the efforts put in to keep the viewers interested.
“At the end of the day, we will have to look at viewership. The biggest stakeholders are the viewers, you have to look after them and try to make it as viewer-friendly as possible,” Deep Dasgupta said while speaking on the latest episode of Cricket Talk with Cricketers on Sports Today YouTube.
“You have the traditional format, personally speaking, I am a purist, I don’t want to touch Test matches too much. As far as 50 overs and T20s are concerned, it’s a very viewer friendly format, especially T20. And something is going to increase viewership and inturn affect the commercial aspect, then why not?
“Absolutely yes. You have to give credit to anyone who is looking at new ways to help evolve the sport, maybe it will work, it won’t but at least you’re trying. You have to give full marks for trying.
What are BBL’s 3 new rules?
The ‘Power Surge’ will feature changes in the powerplay rule. Powerplay at the start of the innings has been reduced to four overs. The batting side can take the remaining two overs at any given time from the 11th over of the innings onwards.
The X-factor is a Super Sub, but with minor changes. X-factor will be named as the 12th or 13th player. He can get into the game at the 10th over of the first innings, replacing any player who is yet to bat, or has bowled no more than a single over.
Bash Boost: Every winning team can get four points- instead of the previous two – with three points available for the outright victory and the extra point being given to the team who is ahead on the comparison at the 10-over mark of the chase.
