IPL 2024: New Bowling Rule Unveiled – A Comprehensive Guide
The eagerly awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is all set to kick off on March 22 at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will clash with southern rivals Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the tournament opener. As fans gear up for another thrilling season, they can expect to witness some notable changes in the playing conditions, particularly in the bowling department. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the new bowling rule introduced for IPL 2024:
Background
- In the previous season, IPL introduced the ‘Impact Player’ rule, offering teams greater flexibility in their playing XI.
- Building on the success of the ‘Impact Player’ rule, IPL 2024 brings forth another significant change aimed at balancing the contest between bat and ball.
Two Bouncers per Over
- Bowlers will now be allowed to deliver a maximum of two fast short-pitched deliveries, commonly known as bouncers, per over.
- This rule alteration follows a successful trial during the 2023-24 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India’s premier domestic T20 tournament.
Support from Players
- Seasoned IPL campaigner Jaydev Unadkat has voiced his support for this change, emphasizing its potential to empower bowlers and add strategic depth to the game.
Definition of Fast Short-Pitched Delivery
- A fast short-pitched delivery is defined as a ball passing or likely to pass above the shoulder height of the striker at the popping crease.
Umpire Communication
- Umpires stationed at the bowler’s end will notify both the bowler and the batsman after each fast short-pitched delivery.
Wide Deliveries
- Any delivery that passes above the head height of the batsman at the popping crease, impeding a normal cricket stroke, will be deemed a wide.
- A wide resulting from a fast short-pitched delivery will count as one of the two allowable deliveries in the over.
No Ball Penalties
- If a bowler exceeds the limit of two fast short-pitched deliveries in an over, the umpire will call and signal a No Ball on each occasion.
- Upon delivering a third fast short-pitched delivery in an over, the bowler will receive a caution from the umpire.
Final Warnings
- After a second instance of bowling more than one fast short-pitched delivery in an over, the bowler will receive a final warning for the innings.
Suspension Protocol
- Continued violations by the same bowler in that innings will lead to immediate suspension from bowling.
- The umpire will instruct the captain of the fielding side to suspend the offending bowler, who will not be permitted to bowl again in that innings.
Reporting to Match Referee
- The umpire may report the matter to the IPL Match Referee for further action against the bowler, ensuring fair play and adherence to the established rules.
With these comprehensive guidelines in place, IPL 2024 promises to offer an exhilarating blend of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship on the cricketing field. As teams gear up to compete under the new bowling rule, fans eagerly await the unfolding drama and excitement of another unforgettable IPL season.
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