Big Bash League 2025-26 to bring in some new rules for next season

The Hobart Hurricanes, who defeated the Sydney Sixers in the first qualifier, will be participating in the finals of the Big Bash League (BBL) in the final two games. The challenge will now be a Sydney derby, with the Sixers and Thunder facing off at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) today in an attempt to advance to the finals.

There have been some incredible games and performances this season, making it another successful one. The Big Bash League is, however, developing additional regulations that may be implemented in the upcoming season, which Cricket Australia (CA) is extensively discussing. Baseball and the Hundred Men’s event in England appear to have served as the models for these regulations.

These are the rules under discussion:

“DH.” One player from each team’s starting lineup who only bats and is exempt from fielding duties could be designated as a designated hitter.

Back-to-back overs from the same end and optional 12-ball overs: Captains may also decide to allow a single bowler to hit 12 balls in a succession for two overs in a row.

Double plays: When two batsmen leave their crease, bails are taken at both ends of the field in a double-play run-out.

One variation on maidens is that if a bowler can hit a hitter with six consecutive dot balls, the batsman may be out. A modest tweak would be to allow a bowler a fifth over if they are able to send down a maiden.

In an effort to speed up gameplay and lessen the stress for certain players, these regulations are being proposed. According to some sources, new regulations are being debated behind closed doors, which might drastically alter cricket as a game.

We spoke with Trent Woodhill, Cricket Australia’s high-performance consultant for the WBBL and Big Bash League, who explained some of the regulations,

such as the designated hitter rule, which calls for a super subfielder to replace the hitter. He also mentioned the contribution of Sydney Sixers’ Jordan Silk, one of the league’s best fielders.

As people see the true nature of Twenty20 cricket, the penny drops. We experienced this with The Hundred. Running quickly into position or in between overs are not aspects of fielding. According to Woodhill, who was mentioned by the Sydney Morning Herald, “Silky’s goodness comes from all the other things he does.”