IPL 2023: Teams to announce playing XI after toss in a new rule

The 16th edition of the IPL is around the corner and the fans are eagerly waiting for the tournament. The 2023 season will begin on March 31, with Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings contesting each other at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Notably, the most awaited cricket tournament will revert to its original home and away format after three years.

Things at the tournament will be different this year as the BCCI has reportedly announced a massive rule change. Currently, the captains of the IPL teams have to announce the team before the toss. However, this has been changed, as the franchises are now required to announce their playing XI after the toss. This would allow franchisees to pick their best XIs based on whether they end up with batting or bowling.

“Currently the captains have to exchange the teams before the toss. This has been changed to exchange of teams immediately post the toss, to enable teams to choose the best XI depending on whether they are batting or bowling first. It will also assist the teams to plan for the impact player,” a BCCI representative said as per a report in ESPNcricinfo.

With the new rule change, IPL became the second T20 franchise league to announce their XI post the toss after SA20. In the inaugural SA20, teams put 13 player names on the team sheet before announcing their final XI after the toss.

Talking of other rule changes ahead of the new season, there would be an over-rate penalty for every over which will not be completed in a specific time frame where only four fielders will be allowed outside the 30-yeard circle. Unfair movement of a fielder or wicketkeeper will result in a dead ball and 5 penalty runs.