Can the IPL adopt BBL’s Power Surge?

The last summer’s edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia saw the induction of three new rules, aimed to add to the excitement of the games.

These three new rules – Power Surge, X-Factor and Bash Boost – certainly provided for a unique experience to some of the other leagues in the world and created a more interesting narrative around the BBL matches.

The ‘Power Surge’ gives BBL teams the opportunity to extend the number of overs they can maximise out of the usual six-over powerplay. In normal circumstances, we see the 30-yard circle field restrictions applying to the set of six overs at the start of the innings. But the ‘Power Surge’ tweaks that slightly. Teams now have the chance to play the final two overs of the powerplay after the 11th over of an innings.

Also Read: Can The IPL Borrow This Rule From The Hundred?

Batting teams can take greater advantage of the powerplay restrictions due to Power Surge.

The tactical intricacies of a T20 match were significantly enhanced through the ‘Power Surge’ during last season’s BBL. As they have always done, batting sides enjoyed the advantage of only two fielders outside the 30-yard circle for a significant portion of a 20-over innings, but could now also dictate when they want to avail that benefit.

But there was a flip side to it. Mistiming the use of ‘Power Surge’ and ill-executing the plans during those two overs meant giving the opposition an edge, a backdoor entry into games and losing your position of strength.

While one would expect teams to opt for the ‘Power Surge’ when they had two set batsmen in at the crease, there are times when, depending on the form of other players and their range, letting them face those overs made more sense.

From the bowling team’s perspective, anticipating when a batting side might enforce the new rule and managing the overs of your best options, employing them in right match-ups, became necessary, posing an added tactical challenge.

IPL could be better off in the longer run with innovations like Power Surge

While the BBL teams have had their own share of ups and downs using the ‘Power Surge’ in its first-ever season, there is little doubt that it is a fantastic addition to T20 cricket and is a tactical ploy that can be replicated in other leagues, including the immensely popular Indian Premier League (IPL).

Would IPL attract a wider audience with an innovation such as Power Surge?

Despite enjoying a first runner’s advantage among all leagues, the IPL has been slightly wary of embracing innovations unlike them. There is a line of thought, however, that says that the league would be better off in the long run accepting such new rules and creating a greater sense of excitement around its matches.

Already, the two-month-long IPL has been enjoying rapidly increased viewership numbers across the globe. Forcing teams to come up with greater tactical nous with the use of rules like ‘Power Surge’ will make the on-field play more interesting, further attract the audiences and create an even wider fanbase.

While there is always a threat of ruffling the traditionalists, the idea of continuously moving forward and refining your product is one that should be followed wholeheartedly, without any hesitations. The launch of the IPL itself was a leap of faith on BCCI’s part in a country that had never really warmed to city-based rivalries before. But they ultimately did and how. It is fairly certain they won’t mind the introduction of a ‘Power Surge’ either, especially not in the IPL which already has greater quality on display than the BBL where this ploy was born.