The Big Bash League (BBL) has been a hub for innovations in the T20 format. As one of the only non-privatised leagues, its way of trying to compete with the big guns like the IPL is adding new aspects to draw an audience.
For instance, the Impact Player rule working in the IPL was first introduced as the ‘X-Factor’ in the BBL, but was binned in a few seasons because hardly anyone was using it. The latest innovation is the ‘Designated Batter (DB)’ and by extension the ‘Designated Fielder (DF)’, which’ll be in function from the 2026-27 season.
It’s a simpler idea. Each team will be allowed to nominate a DB in their playing 11 and a DF from their remaining squad members at the toss. The DB will be allowed to play as a specialist batter and not take
the field when it’s his team’s chance to bowl.
For the fielding innings, he would be replaced by DF, who can only field (including keeping wickets) and can’t bat.
For example, if Travis Head has a minor injury concern, then Adelaide Strikers can nominate him as the DB. Imagine they win the toss and opt to bat first, Head opens the innings and gets out for 60. He doesn’t need to come out to the field in the second innings, and the Strikers can send one of their best fielders to do it.
How is it different from the Impact Player rule?
Unlike the Impact Player, this doesn’t make the match a 12 vs 12 contest. The DB is chosen from the 11 and thus doesn’t impact the batting-bowling balance of the team.
Also, the DB-DF rule is not mandatory. Teams can share playing 11s as usual if they want.
One thing to watch out for is how the teams utilise the fact that DF could be wicketkeepers. One can imagine that it’ll up the demand of those ‘specialist’ glovemen who are excellent behind the stumps, even if not the best batters, because they won’t have to bat if they replace a DB.
Who is the target of this rule?
The idea behind the rule is said to be pushing veteran players like Chris Lynn and Glenn Maxwell into playing a few more years. The superstars are past their prime, and just batting in a match would allow them to be fresh for longer. Further, it’s also designed as a pitch to overseas stars like Andre Russell, who might be open to a cheaper BBL contract if it allows him to just bat and not field every game.
Even players like Head, who isn’t playing this year’s BBL to manage his workload, might be tempted by the idea.
Is there a baseball inspiration behind it?
In baseball, the designated hitter (DH) rule exists from the 1970s. It allows a team to choose a player whose only job is to bat. It’s meant to lower the burden on the ‘Pitchers’, who are mainly focused on throwing the ball and are usually poor hitters. It is said to have made games more exciting and protected pitchers from injuries.
