The Big Bash League (BBL)committee continues to bring unique ideas to the tournament as the upcoming 2026/27 season will see this new rule being applied. From the next season of the tournament, teams will have the chance to nominate Designated Better and Designated Fielder in their playing elevens ahead of the toss. It’s like an updated version of IPL’s impact player rule.

For each match, teams have the option to nominate one player from their playing 11 to act as the designated batter who will only have to bat at his position and won’t take part in the rest of the game. If that designated batter is named, then the teams must also nominate a designated fielder from outside of the playing 11, who will field in place of that designated batter.

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The designated fielder cannot bowl but may be the wicket keeper of the side. However, this is not a must-rule for the teams as they will have the option to play a traditional playing eleven with no designated batter or fielder.

BBL 2026/27 to produce designated batter and designated fielder

This rule will bring more energy and excitement to the tournament as most of the clubs can use their veteran players and international-returned Australia batters, who can only bat and put their feet up during the bowling performance, just like Travis Head, who would have loved to play in that rule for the Adelaide Strikers after a hectic home summer.

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Did you know next year's BBL will feature designated batters and designated fielders?

Ricky Ponting and Glenn Maxwell debate the rule, its pros, cons, and potential ways to approach it... pic.twitter.com/SNf25gtB0d

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 15, 2026

Moreover, it will also be a chance for some of the young players to be part of the dressing room and take part in the game, which is always important at that stage, rather than sitting at home or warming the benches. Ricky Ponting and Glenn Maxwell highlighted these advantages of the event.

Ponting also claims that there are some of the young Australian wicket-keepers who don’t have the T20 skill of batting yet, but can take part in the course of the game with their glove work through this rule, which will be a massive plus point in their career.