For the first time in the history of cricket, fans will be allowed to make an on-field decision! Yes – you read that right: the latest version of the T10 format, ‘The 6ixty’, gives the fans to vote for one free hit per innings. And it’s is no surprise that this new format introduction has come from the West Indies, the pioneer of T20 cricket and the breeding ground for some of the world’s best short-format players.
The Caribbean Premier League has launched a T10 tournament named ‘The 6ixty’. The inaugural season will take place from August 24 to 28 in St Kitts, just before the CPL 2022 season. The tournament will feature matches between all six men’s franchises and the three women’s teams, with squads expected to be at 85% strength.
Here are the rules of The 6ixty:
The format is a T10 competition but with several notable differences from the regular format:
- Instead of 10 wickets, each batting team has six wickets.
- Batting teams can ‘unlock’ a floating third powerplay over by hitting two sixes in the initial two-over powerplay.
- Teams will bowl five consecutive overs from each end, rather than switching ends after each over.
- There is also an in-game penalty for slow-over rate: If a team fails to bowl their 10 overs within 45 minutes, a fielder will be removed for the final six balls.
- The most exciting rule which gets the involvement of the fans: Fans will be able to vote for a ‘mystery free-hit’ via an app or website.
CPL CEO Pete Russell told ESPNcricinfo: “You’re going to get some people saying ‘this isn’t cricket’ but my view is that cricket is absolutely the most important element of it.
“It’s just about trying to generate excitement and interest. It’s like what’s going on with golf right now – you have to look at things through a different lens sometimes. This is about a totally new audience. We’re very much going after the younger generation.”
Chris Gayle named as the ambassador for the 6ixty
West Indies batting legend and arguably the greatest T20 batsman, Chris Gayle will act as an ambassador for the 6ixty. And while the West Indies players will be available after their ODI series against New Zealand, which finishes on August 21, a few overseas players are also expected to arrive early to play in the tournament.
