The Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 season is underway in Australia with the T20 World Cup 2026 approaching quickly soon after the completion of BBL|15. The timing of both the events is perfect as both Australian and international cricketers can practice pressure T20 cricket and polish their skills before making way for the global event. As the new season progresses, the league already confirms an important alteration in the rules which will take effect from the next BBL edition. The Big Bash League force Alistair Dobson has confirmed that a "Designated Batter and Fielder" rule will be added to the set of rules from next year, without eliminating it: This rule adds new strategic challenges and new entertainment angles for the fans. The principle underlying this policy change attempt at greater tactical depth. What is the New Rule? The newly established Designated Batter and Fielder rule came is inspired from BBL-10 and BBL-11's X-Factor Rule, but this one being in a different format. It resembles the Impact Player Rule that debuted in the Indian Premier League in 2023. Under the new rule: Before the bat flip, teams can name one of an XI playing member as a Designated Batter. This player can bat, but cannot field or bowl. In the case of a team naming a Designated Batter, they'll also have to name a Designated Fielder. This player can field and keep wickets but not bowl. If the team is not eager to use this option, they can continue with a normal playing XI. After the first innings ends, the Designated Batter leaves the field and the Designated Fielder comes in to field for the second innings. This is a rule developed that could be used to manage workloads, prolong careers for older athletes, and open up the game to rely on specialists. Who Will Benefit From This Rule? Senior power hitters such as Chris Lynn, who may not contribute so heavily in the field anymore, but can still play a valuable role as specialist batters, can take advantage of it. The rule could also benefit high-quality Test players like Travis Head, who will frequently be available to bat but may have defensive workloads that need to be managed more judiciously. There were instances during the past few seasons where a specialist Team Balance would have assisted the franchises: such as when Josh Inglis was on Test duty, Perth Scorchers were restricted to using part-time wicketkeeper Finn Allen. Under the new rule, a Designated Fielder could be brought in without having to affect the bowling options. Also Read | Watch: Haris Rauf Shoves Finn Allen Violently in BBL - What Happens Next Shocks Fans Difference to the X-Factor Rule The X-Factor rule was with a replacement being made before the 10th over of the first innings and was mainly beneficial to teams batting second since it allowed them to add an additional batter. The simplicity of the new Designated Batter rule is that it applies from before the toss, whereas the affects of both innings are direct. The new rule will not apply in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL). This system will only be used in the men's BBL from next season.