Designated batter, double play run-outs and more

A designated ‘batter’, designated fielder, double play runouts, reduction in number of end changes and batsman being given out for facing a maiden or bowler being awarded with a fifth over after bowling a maiden are some of the rule changes, which the Australian cricket officials and team owners in Big Bash League are in discussion.
According to a report Sydney Morning Herald, these new rules have been in discussions among Australian cricket officials for the 15th edition of Big Bash League.
“High-level discussions have taken place in Cricket Australia about significant rule changes for BBL15, including a left-field proposal for double play run-outs, where two batsmen could be dismissed in the same delivery. Multiple cricket sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity in order to speak freely, have confirmed rule-change proposals are being workshopped behind closed doors and are being seriously considered for next summer,” the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
According to the report, there have been discussions on the idea of teams having a designated batter with each team nominating one player in their XI, who will just bat and doesn’t have to field in the game. The report further states that the teams would also be needed to nominate a special fielder to give the designated hitter a break in the match. According to the report, the rule change has been discussed to give rest to international players amid the busy BBL season. Earlier BBL saw the introduction of X Factor substitutes in the 2020-21 season, where the teams named two players to substitute after the ten overs of the first innings of a match. That rule was later scrapped. Another rule, which has been discussed, is having half the number of end changes in a T20 game. The new rule could mean that teams would bowl two overs from one end and then swap ends. Captains can allow the same bowler to bowl those two overs. Another rule discussed will see a double play run-out with bails being taken at both the ends with both the batsman out of their crease and two dismissals happening. The newspaper also reported that adminrators have suggested ways to make maiden overs more exciting with suggestions like a batsman being given out if they face a maiden over or a bowler bowling a fifth over if he bowls a maiden.
“All rules will be thoroughly analysed and robustly debated before being given the green light. Sign-off on any innovations would most likely happen in July or August after going to a Playing Conditions Advisory Committee,” the report stated.
Sydney Sixers player Jordan Silk spoke on the new rules being under discussion. “I’m a bit more of a traditional in picking your best 11 and finding your all-rounders. Does it lean too heavily into a batter-friendly game like we’ve seen in the IPL? Selfishly, though, if they just need special fielders, I’d probably get a gig for longer,” said Silk.