WBBL gets a raft of new rules ahead of the start of the new 2024-2025 season after last year’s controversies.
WBBL will finally have third umpires for each game in the tournament for the first time in its history. It also sees the full-time use of DRS due to increase in matches.
“A world class competition demands world class technology and innovation,” Alistair Dobson, the head of Big Bash Leagues, said. “We are pleased to deliver this via expanded DRS coverage to 33 matches. Also TV Umpire availability at all matches and the introduction of the Innings Timer.
“Increasing DRS availability was a significant priority for players and umpires alike and will also improve the viewing experience on TV.”
On October 27, the WBBL’s tenth season opens with a tripleheader day. Adelaide Oval will host a replay of last season’s final between the reigning champion Adelaide Strikers and Brisbane Heat. Melbourne Renegades will play Sydney Sixers at the same location after that. Melbourne Stars will then play Perth Scorchers at the WACA.
A boost in TV umpiring technology would be implemented in response to several contentious line calls made during the previous season that irritated players.
33 of the 43 games will use DRS, while for the 10 games that do not, the TV umpire will have the authority to make on-line calls like runouts and stumpings.
The twenty-three DRS matches will be those that Seven broadcasts. The remaining ten will be the additional fully produced matches that Fox Sports added as part of the shortened tournament schedule. As a result, 77% of games will include complete DRS, up from 41% in the previous campaign.