Every WBBL game to have third-umpire, record number of matches to offer DRS

The Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) will, for the first time, have the facilities of third-umpire throughout the competition. At the same time, the Decision Review System (DRS) will also be available for a record number of games. 33 matches will have the DRS, which is 77 percent of total matches. The number is significantly up from 41 percent during the WBBL 2023-24 season. 

The decision has come about after controversies related to the decisions which would have otherwise involved third-umpires went wrong. The TV umpires will be mainly involved in decisions that will include runouts, stumpings and fair catches.

The premium men’s T20 competition in Australia, called the Big Bash League (BBL) has had access to third umpires and the DRS for every match since the start of the 2022/23 season.

For the first time, the WBBL has introduced a timer of 73 minutes. This means that after the 73 minutes are over in an innings, the fielding teams must push one fielder inside the 30-yard circle for all the remaining balls until the 20 overs are completed or the batting team gets all-out. 

“Increasing DRS availability was a significant priority for players and umpires alike and will also improve the viewing experience on TV. We thank both Fox Sports and The Seven Network for making this possible through their investment in, and commitment to, the WBBL,” Fox Cricket quoted Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager of Big Bash Leagues as saying. 

The WBBL will start with the clash between Adelaide Strikers and Brisbane Heat at Adelaide on October 27 (Sunday). 

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