Victorian Premier Cricket rule changes: Struggling clubs to be given extra points to sign players

Cricket Victoria is set to make a huge change to its Premier Cricket rules to help battling clubs and those who experience an exodus of players. Paul Amy has details.

Kangaroos skipper Justin Galeotti survives an Essendon appeal last season. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Struggling teams will be given extra player points as Victorian Premier Cricket officials try to shorten the gap between the top and bottom sides.

The caps will remain at 24 points for the men’s and women’s First XI competitions.

But the men’s team that finishes 18th and with the wooden spoon will be allocated 27 points.

The 17th-placed team will have 26 and the 16th, 25 points.

In the women’s section, the ninth and last team can use 26 points and eighth, 25.

The changes give 2024-25 men’s cellar dwellers Greenvale Kangaroos the opportunity to bring in a high-points player to help them become more competitive.

Wins have been elusive for the Kangaroos for a few seasons.

The changes were endorsed at a meeting of club presidents and CV officials last Tuesday.

“It may not have a significant impact but it just allows them that little bit of extra freedom if they have a player who may be able to help them but may just put them over the edge,’’ Premier Cricket operations manager Darren Anderson said of the bottom sides.

Liam Molloy sends one down for Essendon, which suffered an exodus of players last season. Picture: Andrew Batsch

“A team may lose a number of players in one year – we saw Essendon lose quite a few last year out of their First XI – and they are restricted in being able to go out and recruit. You’ve only got a certain number of points and most players you bring into your club are going to be at a two-point value.

“Any freedom they may be able to get will help. Like I said, we don’t think it’s going to have a significant impact. But it may help them be more competitive across the season.’’

Meanwhile, there will be a new ball in play across all formats of Victorian Premier Cricket next season.

Officials have adopted the Kookaburra “Turf’’ ball – which is used in international and first-class matches – for men’s and women’s fixtures.

The Turf ball was tested in Twenty20 matches last season and will now replace the Regulation ball in two and one-day matches.

Anderson said the move took into account feedback from captains and coaches.

“The components inside the Turf ball are slightly different and it usually stays harder for longer,’’ Anderson said.

“It therefore makes it easier for the batters to score but at the same time nicks carry through to the slips over a great period.

“The balls are one thing. We’ll be working with the clubs and curators to ensure we’ve got decent pitches to complement the different ball.’’

The women will play 14 one-dayers next season. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The Cricket Victoria high performance division supported the shift to Turf, which is Kookaburra’s highest graded ball, is hand-stitched, and has a five-layered centre and a slightly flatter seam than the “Regulation’’.

In another key change for next season, the men’s T20 competition will feature a finals series.

After five rounds, a top-eight will qualify for quarter and semi finals and a grand final.

Points earned in T20s will still be counted on the premiership ladder.

Triple-headers are being removed but teams will play two games in a day, travelling between grounds. It cuts out the need for players to present at 8.30am.

Women’s First XI teams will play two more one-dayers, competing over 14 rounds.

Clubs are being surveyed on a number of issues, including:

● A return to 96 overs in a day for men’s red-ball matches.

● 10.30am starts for men’s and women’s First XI matches and the men’s Second XI.

● The return of afternoon teas.

Originally published as Victorian Premier Cricket rule changes: Struggling clubs to be given extra points to sign players