IPL 2024 set for major change: Bowlers granted two bouncers per over, claims report
IPL 2024 season: A significant rule alteration has reportedly been introduced by the Indian Premier League (IPL) authorities ahead of the Dubai auction beginning.
Starting from the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League, bowlers will be permitted to deliver two bouncers per over in the IPL, aiming to intensify the competitive balance between bat and ball. This rule was effectively trialed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, a domestic T20 tournament in India, and is now scheduled for implementation in the IPL 2024 season.
According to ESPNCricinfo, the rule has received approval and is confirmed for adoption in the forthcoming season. Indian pacer Jyadev Unadkat has expressed enthusiasm about this alteration.
"I strongly believe that allowing two bouncers an over is highly beneficial. It adds an extra edge to bowlers against batsmen," Unadkat conveyed to ESPNcricinfo.
"For instance, if I deliver a slower bouncer... previously, the batsman would anticipate no more bouncers. However, now, even after executing one slower bouncer in the over, I still have the option for another (in that over). It challenges those who struggle against bouncers to improve, providing bowlers with an additional weapon. I view it as a minor adjustment, but with a significant impact, and as a bowler, I consider it a crucial rule."
"Especially in the death overs, it presents an additional choice," he added. "Earlier, fast bowlers were mostly focused on yorkers during death overs. Now, due to the allowance of two bouncers per over, the repertoire expands to include yorkers, slower balls, and bouncers. Even if the second bouncer isn't bowled, the batsman remains wary of the possibility."
This rule adjustment may influence the strategies of the 10 IPL franchises as they seek to acquire top pacers during the auction. Players such as Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Geral Coetzee, Josh Hazlewood, among others, are already high-priority targets for teams. The rule modification is expected to intensify the competition for these players even further.
- With inputs from agencies
