Lanka Premier League adds second powerplay for 2024 edition

A two-over block will take place during the 16th and 17th overs of the innings, when only four fielders are allowed outside the inner circle

The upcoming edition of the Lanka Premier League is set to trial an additional powerplay towards the end of the innings.

The competition, which takes place through the first three weeks of July and overlaps with both the T20 Blast and Major League Cricket, is calling the move the 'Power Blast Overs'.

The theory is that the two-over block will take place during the 16th and 17th overs of the innings, and it comes in addition to the six-over powerplay at the top of the innings.

It isn't quite a traditional powerplay, with four fielders set to be allowed outside the inner circle. A statement for the league described it as "creating a more aggressive and thrilling phase of the game".

Related: Chris Silverwood resigns as Sri Lanka head coach

^{The Lanka Premier League is trialling a second powerplay (Ishara S Kodikara/AFP via Getty Images)}

Similar innovations have been tried before: the Big Bash added the power surge ahead of the 2020/21 season, with a two-over powerplay to be taken by the batting team, though that came at the expense of two overs from the main powerplay rather than, in this case, essentially having eight overs of fielding restrictions out of 20.

"We decided to bring this innovation in order to create further excitement for the league, which is growing year by year," said tournament director Samantha Dodanwela.

"This new introduction is sure to generate a lot of excitement among the fans, and the teams will need to strategise effectively to make the most of this period."

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