Rule changes to be tested in Thimmappaiah Memorial tournament to make it result-oriented

A few significant rule changes will be tested in the KSCA-Dr. (Capt.) K. Thimmappaiah Memorial Tournament, which begins in Bengaluru and Mysuru on Tuesday, in an attempt to make the all-India four-day red-ball competition more result-oriented.

The most significant change is the introduction of an over limit for each innings. Teams will have 120 overs for the first innings and 60 overs for the second. If the team batting fourth fails to reach the target within its stipulated 60 overs, it will be deemed to have lost, rather than the match ending in a draw, KSCA Hon. Secretary Santosh Menon stated in a press conference here on Monday.

A draw will be recorded only if rain interruptions prevent the team batting fourth from getting the full quota of 60 overs.

The first-innings limit comes with a rider. If a team is bowled out before completing its quota of 120 overs, 50 per cent of the unused overs will be carried forward to its second innings.

Another change is the introduction of a penalty for a slow over-rate, aimed at preventing the team bowling last from deliberately wasting time when it is in a position to avoid defeat.

KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad said the tournament had received considerable interest from State associations, but the field had been restricted to 16 teams, including four from Karnataka.

Prasad added that the KSCA plans to introduce a women’s one-day tournament next year.