Players can use DRS to review wides and no-balls in IPL after successful WPL implementation

Smriti Mandhana & Faf du Plessis. (Photo Source: RCB/Twitter)

With the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023 finally underway, fans got their money’s worth in the handful of matches that have been played so far. Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and UP Warriorz got off to sensational starts as Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Giants crumbled under pressure.

In a massive change of rules, for the first time in T20 leagues, the players will be allowed to review wide and no-ball decisions with the help of DRS. The ongoing WPL is the first competition where this rule change is being implemented, and it will be followed in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) as well.

“A player may request a review of any decision taken by the on-field umpires concerning whether or not a batter is dismissed, with the exception of ‘Timed Out’ (Player Review),” the WPL playing conditions said in a release.

“A player may also be allowed to review any decision taken by on-field umpires concerning wide or no-ball,” it added.

The new rule has already been implemented in ongoing WPL

The rule that players can review wides and no-balls has already been implemented in the ongoing WPL. It was used in the very first match of the competition when Mumbai Indians took on Gujarat Giants. A delivery from Saika Ishaque was called wide, but the decision was overturned after the team reviewed the delivery.

It was also used in the second match against Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore. When Indian star Jemimah Rodrigues called for a review when a full toss by Megan Schutt was not given as a no-ball. This time, however, the decision was not overturned.

The tournament got off to a fantastic start for a few teams, but that was not the case for the others. After dominating their first game against Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians will next take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in match 4 of the competition on Monday, March 6.