Jaydeep Patel
New season of Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to get underway on April 9 and the arrivals of players at the respective host cities has already begun. The last IPL was the first one held under the shadow of the raging COVID-19 pandemic and saw some very unusual rules and regulations.
From the artificial crowd noise to strict protocols and bio-bubble protocols, IPL 2020 was very different from the previous editions. However, the 2021 edition is also going to be unique as the league returns to India where the impact of the pandemic is still strong.
Game related rules:
Soft signal
As per the new rules for the IPL 2021, the on-field umpire wouldn’t be allowed to give a “soft signal” while referring to a debatable decision to the third umpire.
“There have been cases wherein the soft signal has kind of created confusion rather than giving clarity to the third umpire and that is why it was felt that going back to the old method of referring decisions to the third umpire if the on-field umpires are not sure should be followed,” as per a source.
It’s a good move by BCCI. The soft-signal was head-scratching and confusing for both players and fans and most of the controversies surround the LBW decision. In that case, the “Umpire’s Call” has created a ruckus in the cricket circle.
The Short-Run Error
BCCI has also made more changes to the IPL 2021 playing conditions and it revolves around the short-run error. It created a big controversy in IPL 2020 during the match between in the match between Delhi Capitals and Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings).
BCCI has also made more changes to the IPL 2021 playing conditions and it revolves around the short-run error. It created a big controversy in IPL 2020 during the match between in the match between Delhi Capitals and Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings).
90 minutes rules
BCCI said, “As a measure to control the match timings, the 20th over in each innings is now included in 90 minutes, earlier the 20th over was to start on or before the 90th minute.”
Elaborating on the point, the BCCI said, “The minimum over rate to be achieved in IPL Matches shall be 14.11 overs per hour (ignoring the time taken by time-outs).
No Ball:
As per the updated IPL guidelines, the third umpire can overrule the no-ball decision made by the on-field umpire. The move comes to cut short human errors. Earlier, the third-umpire couldn’t interfere in on-field no-ball calls.
Super-Over
In IPL 2021, the IPL has imposed a time-related restriction with respect to the number of super overs. Earlier, in case of a second tied super over, teams would share points with no further super overs to be played.
However, this season onward, if a clear winner isn’t obtained within “one hour” of super overs, the match will be declared tie as the teams will share points again. It is worth mentioning that this “one hour” will begin from the “actual finish time” of the tied match.
Here are some new rules regarding Covid Safety:
Bearing Their Own Expenses
The IPL authorities have also decided that those players who would be arriving from certain foreign locations, namely – UK, Europe, South Africa, Brazil, and Middle East would have to undergo a 7-day quarantine for which they will have to bear the costs themselves.
Family and Owners to be Kept in Bubble
Just like the players, their family members, as well as owners of the teams can leave the bubble only if it is highly necessary. On top of that, they will have to get a formal permission from the BCCI’s Chief Medical Officer to exit the bubble
Bubble Integrity Managers
To make sure that the teams are not violating the sanctity of the bio-bubbles, a four-member team of ‘Bubble Integrity Managers’ will be created for each side. They will ensure that players and the support staff adhere to the stringent rules. It will also be the responsibility of this group to inform the authorities about any breach of the protocols.
Immediate Replacement of Balls
While research has indicated that cricket balls are not likely to be dangerous carriers of the dreaded Coronavirus, still, to eliminate the risk fully, it has been decided that if a ball goes into the stands or outside the ground, it would be immediately replaced. The replaced ball won’t be discarded but sanitized and returned to the collection for further use.
Three RT-PCR Tests Needed for Entering Bubble
Before entering the bubble, all those who are not coming from another bubble will have to go through three RT-PCR tests over a period of seven days. Only when they test negative in all of them would they be allowed to join the bubble.
No Contact Between BCCI Officials and Players
Members of BCCI’s top brass will not be entering any bubble; hence they would not be allowed to meet any of those who are in the bubble, be it players or officials.
Wait what is this new team?
Punjab team has gone for a change of name and a refreshed brand presence. The XI is out from Kings XI Punjab, and its now Punjab Kings. This is the first time in IPL history that the Punjab team has gone for a name change. It remains to be seen whether this will bring a change in fortune for the KL Rahul-led side.
…And the new avatar for few teams
Most teams have new sponsors, and therefore, change in jersey. The overall design is also different for Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings while the likes of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals have gone for a fresh look. Even Chennai Super Kings added a bit of flair to their jersey by adding camouflage shoulder strips as a tribute to the Indian armed forces.
