The concept is similar to Indian Premier League’s ‘Impact Player’ rule which allows one of the five players named on the bench to be subbed in at any point during the match.
“Before the bat flip (BBL’s version of a coin toss), the teams have the option to nominate a player from their Playing XI to act as the designated batter. This player can bat, but is not permitted to field or bowl,” said BBL in a post on social media.
“If naming a designated batter, the teams must also name a designated fielder. This player is not permitted to bowl but may be the wicketkeeper.
“If a team chooses not to nominate a designated batter, they will name a traditional playing XI.”
The rule applies only to the men’s competition.
“The Big Bash was built on the spirit of innovation and evolution, and our new designated batter and fielder rule is about giving teams more strategic options and creating new dynamics for fans to enjoy,” said Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s general manager of BBL.
“Every fan wants to see the most explosive batters and electric fielders playing as many games as possible and we’re excited to see how clubs use this flexibility to shape matches in BBL 16.
In season 10, BBL had the ‘X-factor player’ rule according to which, a player not named in the Playing XI could substitute someone who was yet to bat or had bowled only one over. However, the teams could use the ‘X-factor player’ rule only at the 10th over of the first innings, generally favouring the chasing team.
The new ‘designated batter and fielder’ rule is supposed to be an evolved version of the ‘X-factor player.’
Published on Jan 15, 2026
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