IPL 2022: BCCI makes major changes to playing conditions

The 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to commence on March 26 with the game between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). With less than two weeks to go, the BCCI has made major changes to the playing conditions. One of them is an increase in the DRS reviews per innings. The number of reviews have been increased from one to two per innings for teams.

At the same time, the BCCI has also endorsed the recent suggestion from the Marylebone Cricket Club regarding the new batter taking strike in case of a caught dismissal irrespective of the fact that they have crossed or not.

“In each innings, the number of reviews have been increased from one to two. Upon a catch dismissal, irrespective of whether the batsmen have crossed or not the incoming batsman will take the strike, except if it’s the last ball of the over,” the BCCI informed the franchises on Monday (March 14) according to Cricbuzz.

What if Super Over is not possible?

Meanwhile, it has also been decided that the team that finished higher in the league stage will win the game in case a Super Over is not possible to break a tie. The same rule is also applicable to the final as well.

“If conditions do not permit a Super Over, or subsequent Super Overs within the time available to determine the winner as described, then the team which, at the end of the relevant regular season, finished in the higher position in the league table will be deemed the winner of the relevant play-off match,” the new playing conditions further stated.

Another major change is regarding a team’s inability to field a playing XI due to COVID related scenarios. According to the earlier rule, if the rescheduling of the game is not possible, the team that was unable to field a playing XI (with 7 Indian players) would’ve lost the match. However, this time around, the BCCI has stated that if the rescheduling of the game is not possible, then the matter will be referred to the IPL technical committee.

“The BCCI, at its discretion, will attempt to reschedule the match for later in the season. If this is not possible, the issue will be referred to the IPL Technical Committee. The decision of the IPL Technical Committee will be final and binding,” the playing conditions state. Moreover, the BCCI has retained the rights of shifting the venue for the play-offs or the final and also retain the revenues of the same.

“The BCCI shall have the right (at its cost) to organise and stage the play-off matches at any stadium (including any stadium) and shall be entitled to retain all revenues from the play-off matches save in respect of sums relating to such play-off matches which are due to franchisees in respect of the Central Rights Income (as such term is defined in the Franchise Agreement) under their Franchise Agreement.

“BCCI shall (at its cost) be entitled but not obliged to organise the closing ceremony in respect of the League which, if staged, shall (unless BCCI in its discretion decides otherwise) take place on the day and at the Stadium where the final is played,” the circular read.