The Indian Premier League is set to welcome two new franchises from the 2022 edition. The BCCI is yet finalise on the playing conditions for the 10-team tournament. Former India cricketer turned commentator Aakash Chopra has come out with his own suggestions that can be implemented in the biggest T20 league to make it even better.
Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Chopra suggested five tweaks in the IPL format. He asked to bring the bonus point rule in the tournament. He argued that the current system, which has net run-rate as the deciding factor, is complicated for the normal viewers.
“If you win the match before 10 overs, you should get an extra bonus point. If two teams are locked in on the same points the team with more bonus points should go ahead.”
The effect on the quality of the league after it’s expanded to 10 teams has been discussed quite a lot in the cricketing circle.
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One of the solutions to that could be allowing five overseas players per side compared to four. Chopra also resonated with this line of thinking and requested the same to BCCI.
“You should allow five overseas players. You won’t find 70 quality Indian players and the standard will go down.”
Chopra also asked the franchises to provide regular updates on the players’ injuries and availability. A practice that leagues like BBL, Blast and The Hundred have embraced.
“Please start giving updates on injuries. Look around the world. BCCI should make it mandatory for them to declare all this.”
The former Indian cricketer pointed out the difference umpiring can make in important matches of the league and asked the board to improve the standard.
“Improve the standard of the umpires… and then make them accountable for their mistakes and say ‘goodbye’ to them if they are not doing their job right.”
One of the biggest talking point around IPL is just how long it takes to complete one match. T20 matches taking almost four overs to complete is not ideal. The over-rate has always been under scrutiny but the teams hardly get penalized. Chopra suggested a rule to penalize the fielding team by allowing one less fielder outside the circle if the innings goes beyond 90 minutes.
“Your innings should be over in 90 minutes and the overs you bowl after that should have one extra fielder in the circle.”
The England and Wales Cricket Board had implemented a similar rule in The Hundred competition, and it was highly successful.
