After introducing the highly successful Power Surge and the short-lived 'X-Factor Rule' (2020-2022), the Big Bash is set to introduce the Designated Batter and Fielder Rule in the competition from the next season.

The rule has given the teams an option to name a 'designated batter' during the bat flip. This means that the nominated player can only bat but cannot bowl or field. In case teams do name a designated batter, they will also need to name a 'designated fielder'. Such a player cannot bowl but can only field and keep wickets during the match.

The rule runs in similar fashion to the Impact Player rule which is used in the Indian Premier League where teams are allowed to substitute one player for another irrespective of their role. However, the designated player rule is not mandatory and teams can opt out of naming a designated batter and fielder. In such a case, they will name traditional Playing XIs.

Five years ago, the Big Bash had the X Factor Rule which saw teams allowed to name two substitutes while naming their Playing XIs. One of the substitutes could come in and replace any of the players who hadn't batted or bowled less than an over after the ten-over mark of the first innings. It was eventually scrapped due to underutilisation of the rule after the 2021-22 season.