In IPL 2022, at the time of a catch being taken even if the batters cross the new man on strike will be the incoming batter, unless the dismissal occurs on the last ball of an over. This, along with an increase in the number of unsuccessful reviews from one to two per innings (added in 2018), are among the significant changes to the tournament’s playing conditions announced ahead of the next season, which begins March 26.
Although Covid-19 is seen as a lower threat in India now than it was even a few months ago, there is still concern that, like with the Melbourne Stars and Brisbane Heat in the recent BBL, teams may have a lot of players unavailable for a specific match. When a side has less than 12 players available for selection – 11 on the field, at least seven of whom must be Indian, and one substitute – the BCCI will “at its discretion” try to reschedule the match until later in the season.
If this is not practicable for whatever reason, the subject will be referred to the IPL’s technical committee, whose decision will be “final and binding.”
Previously, if rescheduling the game was not possible, the franchise that was unable to field a team was considered to have lost the game, and its opponents were awarded full points.
The BCCI has also confirmed that the prize money for the franchises will be paid “based on the final standings and any increments would be adjusted and calculated based on ten teams rather than eight,” with the number of teams increasing to ten and the number of matches – including the playoffs – increasing from 60 to 74.
The MCC made an amendment to the law of the game regarding batsmen crossing before a catch was taken and the replacement batter heading to the non-end striker’s earlier this month, but the law will not take effect for international cricket until October. The IPL, on the other hand, has opted to put it into effect right away.
The decision to amend the law came after it was trialled in the Hundred last year as a method to award the bowler even more for taking a wicket.
In terms of disciplinary procedures, the BCCI has said that “in the event post of Ombudsman is vacant then the Commission comprising of the members of the IPL Code of Behaviour Committee will step in to the role of Ombudsman”.
