Big Bash boss says more innovations are coming with designated hitters among potential additions

The consensus was the Big Bash was as good as it’s ever been this season, but anyone not moving forward is sitting still and that could mean more innovations.

Big Bash boss Alastair Dobson has dismissed suggestions further rule changes and innovations were moving close to “gimmicks”, adamant every alteration was geared around taking the game forward.

The BBL is coming off the best season in crowds and viewership for seven years, with Monday’ night’s final, won by the Hobart Hurricanes, the highest rating show in the nation.

But discussions are ongoing about more tinkering to the way the game is played, with baseball-style designated hitters and double play run-outs being actively spoken about at high levels after the success of the power surge.

Simply sensational hitting 😅

In the first four overs of the run chase, the Hurricanes scored 74 runs thanks to some incredible Mitch Owen ball-striking!@BKTtires#GoldenMoment#BBL14pic.twitter.com/untZ3xMrxv

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 27, 2025

When asked on Wednesday if such drastic changes to the way even T20 cricket is played could even be regarded as “gimmicky”, Dobson said any “innovations” would be within the rules of the game.

“We have always been open to innovation,” he said.

“The power surge is there to keep games close. We tried a few other rules a couple of years back which didn’t work and we moved on from them.

“The BBL is about high-scoring and close matches, and if we can find ways to make sure those things are as strong as possible, we are open to that.

“I wouldn’t describe them as tinkering, it’s innovations within the rules to keep the game moving forward.

“I think T20 is such a strategic game now … we’re working on ideas like we do every year and it will be interesting to see what pops out of that process.”

In 2024, the Indian Premier League introduced its version of the “X-factor” rule, which allows teams to replace a bowler with a batter or vice versa based on the game conditions.

Bowling back-to-back overs from the same end has also been floated as a potential BBL change to speed up game time.

A major issue for the BBL, however, remains access to the best Australian players and Dobson conceded that, and holding on to international stars for longer, was something that was always being looked at.

100 FOR STEVE SMITH!

That's his third BBL hundred, and he's done this one off just 58 balls 👏 #BBL14pic.twitter.com/K6iqJ7HmYN

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 11, 2025

A Steve Smith century for the Sydney Sixers in January was evidence of the impact the best players can have on the competition.

“Every year we sit down with the national team and sit down when those windows might be (to get them in),” Dobson told SEN.

“They give us a great boost. The bilateral calendar over the next few years presents some good years and some bad years. It’s part of the life of the BBL.

“We’ve tweaked our contracting rules to get overseas players in too.

“The global landscape is so packed. The experience of players is a big part of the solution and big crowds help that.

“We’ve got to continue to be working on our salary cap and the way we pay players.

“It’s not one answer, its multiple, and we chip away at it every year.”

Originally published as Big Bash boss says more innovations are coming with designated hitters among potential additions