The South African T20 league is set to trial two rule changes starting in Cape Town with competition organisers hopeful it will "improve the quality of the product" whilst "preserving the sanctity" of the game, per reports fromย ESPN.ย
The first of two rule tweaks involve the team captainz heading to the toss with an extended squad in mind, then post the coin flip and bat or bowl decision, are able to reduce that to a starting XI in due course.
The rule titled 'choose after toss' will mean the initial duo left out of the side will only be allowed to become substitute fielders as a result and will take no further part in proceedings.
The second rule change that differs from the fundamental laws of the game is if a run-out attempt is deemed "intentional" no runs are to be awarded to the batting side if the ball manages to deflect off the stumps upon hitting them.
The change in playing conditions is supposed to encourage "positive and attacking fielding" in the eyes of organisers who have a firm belief in trialling this indifferent approach to the shorter format.
January 10 marked the start date of the SA20 competition with the rule changes set to warrant some interest from onlookers who are sitting on the fence about the new in-game features.
