During the power play plus over, all runs scored are doubled, wickets taken will cost the batting side five runs, and every scoring shot will see the same number of runs added to the extras column for the next six balls. Runs deducted for losing a wicket will be deducted from the extras column. Extras such as wides and no-balls will also be doubled during the over. The power play plus over can only be called after the first ten overs of the batting innings and only once the bowler is at the top of his mark for the new over. No change of bowler can be made once the over has been signalled. Furthermore, if a batsman is bowled out during this over he will be out, but the over will continue until it has been completed.
The strategy break, which can also only be taken after the tenth over, will give team management from both sides, as well as the substitute fielders from the bowling team, the opportunity to walk onto the field to discuss their advance for the next ten overs.
Another big change are the pink cricket balls that will be used, as opposed to the standard red ones.
There is also the introduction of targets. Two targets in the shape of Samsung cellphones will be erected between the boundary rope and the perimeter fence on the square boundaries on either side. The purpose of these targets is to provide the batting team with ten runs each
time a target is hit. Combined with the power play plus it is possible for a batsman to receive 20 runs from one ball. Comparing scoring runs through the targets to the 2014 Varsity Cup rugby final, in which three tries were scored in the final seven minutes, CEO of Varsity Sports Duitser Bosman stated that “this does a lot for the game and… if somebody can hit the target two or three times that will take the interest in the game, at least the controversy and Twitter talk about it, to the next level”.
During the Varsity Cricket launch in Sandton, Bosman explained that these unique rules were not just brought in for the sake of changing rules. Instead, these rules allow for interaction among the crowd and participants and, particularly in the power play plus over, will bring more excitement into the tournament.
Bosman also explained some of the challenges in choosing the venue for the tournament. “The challenges were that we had to find proper grounds that can deal with a lot of supporters that are on the university grounds and are close enough to the students,” said Bosman. Bosman added that Potchefstroom has an ability to mobilise students as well as the city and towns around them and “probably has the best cricket facilities in the country”.
“It is fantastic for us to be supporting Varsity Sports in this initiative,” said Cricket South Africa chief executive Haroon Lorgat. Lorgat added that both Cricket South Africa and Varsity Sports were “facing in the same direction” with the launch of the Varsity Cricket tournament and the “exciting innovations it looks to bring.”
Photo: Marko Svicevic
