The X-factor rule was one of the three rules that were introduced to the Big Bash League in the 2020-21 season. The other two rules were the Bash Boost and the Power Surge. This article reviews the X-Factor rule.
Per the X-factor rule, a team can announce two additional players outside of their playing eleven before the match begins. These players can substitute any member of the playing eleven. However, such a substitution can take place only after the 10th over of the innings. The substituted player can bat, bowl, and field, and hence is the X-factor player. However, the X-factor cannot substitute a player who has already batted or has bowled more than one over.
The X-factor rule can be used only once. This means that of the two additional players named before the match, only one can be the X-factor. The X-factor rule was devised to add a strategic twist to the match, where a team’s prospect of batting or bowling (Depending on the match scenario) gets a boost by the inclusion of an extra batter, bowler, or all-rounder.
Despite showing promise, the X-factor rule was met with mixed reviews. As a result, the rule was terminated by the 2022 edition of the Big Bash League. Akin to the X-factor rule is the Impact player rule, which is a key highlight of the Indian Premier League. This rule was implemented in the 2023 edition of the event after a successful execution is the national domestic T20 tournament of India. The impact player rule differed from the X-factor rule in two ways:
- Instead of two, the team could announce five additional substitutes, of which only one player can be the impact player.
- The impact player can be introduced at any stage of the innings, unlike the X-factor rule which could be implemented only after the 10th over of the innings. Notably, the impact player cannot be substituted in the middle of an ongoing over.
The X-factor rule was seen as a prodigal impactful return of the super sub rule. Unfortunately, both the rules operationally failed, leading to their termination in less than two years.
