Addition of a new rule in IPL 2021?

The IPL 2020 witnessed MI clinch their 5th IPL trophy. This season, the UAE hosted the IPL due to the ongoing assault of COVID-19 in the whole world. With the IPL 2020 done and dusted, the BCCI and IPL Governing Council have shifted their focus to IPL 2021. There are strong rumors that the addition of a new team is being considered. We could also witness a Mega Auction and changes in rules next season.

A source has recently learned that IPL franchises have asked for the inclusion of 4 instead of 5 foreign players in the playing XI. A top BCCI official has confirmed that some franchises have requested the IPL Governing Council to consider this.

Regarding the new rules, nothing is confirmed as of now. However, it is highly likely as the BCCI and IPL GC are considering some rule changes. Here we list 4 such possibilities wherein a rule change might be applicable:

1. Format of play

IPL will now see 9-10 teams participate for the trophy instead of the regular 8 teams. This could force the governing bodies to consider a new format. With the inclusion of more teams, we might see a round-robin format wherein teams are divided into groups.

2. Augment the number of overseas players from 4 to 5

In order to sustain the quality of the league, franchises want 5 players in the playing XI instead of ten. This has led the governing bodies to reconsider whether such a change should be implemented or not. With many franchises in favor of this change, it is highly likely that this could be imminent.

3. Power Surge

The BBL has introduced a new powerplay concept called the Power Surge, As per this rule, only 4 instead of 6 overs will be bowled in the initial part of the innings. Prior to that, the batting team can decide to select 2 powerplay overs after the 11th over. This could completely change the strategy that teams have been implementing consistently every season.

With BBL in-line with the rule, we might see the IPL introducing this concept soon.

4. X-Factor Player

This is another rule introduced in the BBL this season. Similar to the concept of football, this concept allows a team to replace anyone from the starting XI with a 12th player. However, this is possible only after the completion of the 10th over. We might also see the inclusion of this rule next season.

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