Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) will introduce a new designated batter and fielder rule starting with the 2026–27 season, giving teams the ability to nominate one player as a designated batter who can bat but will not field or bowl.
If a team chooses to use a designated batter, they must also name a designated fielder, who is allowed to field—including as wicketkeeper—but cannot bowl. Captains must decide whether to use the rule before the coin toss.
Alastair Dobson, the BBL’s general manager, said the rule offers teams “more strategic options” and creates “new dynamics for fans to enjoy.” Former Australia Test captain Ricky Ponting added that it could allow ageing stars to extend their BBL careers, bring younger players into the lineup sooner, and even encourage more Test players to join the tournament by reducing their injury risk from fielding.
“Take someone like Travis Head—a returning international who has already had a big summer. I’d almost feel embarrassed not to be out there fielding and contributing. If I miss with the bat, I still want to have an impact in the field,” Ponting told 7 Cricket.
The Indian Premier League already has an impact player rule allowing teams to substitute one of four named players during a match. The BBL previously experimented with an X-Factor player rule between 2020 and 2022, which allowed teams to name two substitutes, with one eligible to be used at the 10-over mark of the first innings.