BBL considers baseball-style rules, including designated hitters

Cricket Australia is considering significant rule changes for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season to enhance the competition's appeal and speed up matches. Proposed innovations include the introduction of 'designated hitters', allowing one player to bat without fielding, and 'double play run-outs', where both batters can be dismissed simultaneously under certain conditions. These changes aim to reduce player workloads, especially for top stars, and potentially draw more elite international players to the league. Discussions are inspired by successful concepts from baseball and England's 'The Hundred' tournament. No final decisions have been made, and official consultations with stakeholders are yet to occur. The Playing Conditions Advisory Committee is set to review these proposals in the coming months.