Big Bash League scraps ‘boundary countback’ rule that marred epic World Cup final
This year’s 50-over World Cup final was one of the most dramatic matches in history, settled by one of cricket’s most obscure rules. And organisers have moved to ensure there is no repeat in this year’s BBL.
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It ain’t over until it’s over.
In this year’s Big Bash League, certainly, where tied finals matches will now be settled by as many additional Super Overs as it takes to split the teams, after the controversial rule that saw this year’s 50-over World Cup final settled on ‘boundary countback’ was scrapped for this year’s competition.
England and New Zealand played out one of the all-time classic finals earlier this year, the sides all square after 50 overs each, and then again after a tense tied Super Over.
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Spectators were left confused and, in some quarters, profoundly unhappy once the obscure rule of settling the match by virtue of which team had hit the most boundaries was employed, in England’s favour.
That controversial system will remain in place for the next men’s and women’s T20 World Cups, both to be held in Australia next year.
But Cricket Australia (CA) has moved to amend the regulations for the BBL and WBBL seasons ahead, meaning should a Super Over be needed and then fail to produce a winner, subsequent Super Overs will be played until it finally does.
The rule will be used in finals matches. In regular season clashes a tied Super Over will lead to the points being split.
While the new regulations dictate an “unlimited amount” of Super Overs, there is also provision for a limitation on that number due to “unavoidable time restraints”. What those are are not outlined, but likely refer to broadcast schedules or any restriction at specific venues.
In such a case the highest-placed team from the regular season will be deemed the winner.
The two T20 World Cups in Australia next year are ICC events and so CA would not have it in their power to make a similar change there.
However, the ICC themselves have indicated that the fallout from how the 50-over World Cup was settled will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cricket Committee, meaning they could move to follow CA’s lead on the matter as early as 2020 if they decided it to be necessary.