By Zainab Shafiq 
The Big Bash League (BBL) may experience a complete facelift should two of the biggest cricket names in Australia succeed in their requests. Former skipper Aaron Finch has been asking for a total player BBL auction that would replace the draft system now in place while all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has asked to eliminate the Power Surge, terming it the distortion of dynamics in the game.
Finch Pushes for IPL-Style BBL Auction
Finch believes a proper auction, similar to the Indian Premier League (IPL), would make BBL a much more competitive competition. In his proposed system, teams will be allowed to retain a few of their players, while the rest go into an open auction war.
“I’d like to see an auction come in,” Finch said on ESPN’s Around The Wicket. “Each team could retain four players, and then the rest would go into an auction. It would level the playing field and truly reflect player value.”
While the existing system already lets teams pre-sign one overseas player before the draft, Finch feels that a broader auction pool would make the league more exciting and transparent, compelling franchises to take bold financial decisions.
Maxwell Opposes Power Surge
Meanwhile, Maxwell had a problem with the Power Surge, which is a rule that allows batting teams to take two overs of fielding restrictions after the 10th over. He believes this change does not fit into international cricket and misrepresents middle-order batting.
“I’d drop the Power Surge,” Maxwell said. “If it’s not a part of international cricket, why do we need it in the BBL? It changes the way middle-order batters play, but when they are representing their country, that edge is gone.”
Maxwell echoed the sentiments of his Melbourne Stars teammate Marcus Stoinis who too felt the rule was not required.
Varying Perspectives on Entertainment Value
“I think he just wanted to keep the game going because it is an exciting way of finishing matches.” Finch said, “It has excitement and allows teams to stage a comeback. Even if a team needs 15 runs an over, the Power Surge gives them a chance.“
With the BBL looking for ways to stay relevant amid competition from overseas leagues, these contrasting views from two T20 veterans may shape the future of the tournament.
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