Neck guards are required for all players, native and foreign, according to Cricket Australia.

Starting on October 1, Neck guards are a requirement for all domestic and international players in Cricket Australia (CA).

The neck guard regulation is one of the improvements that will be implemented before the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023–24 season, according to the apex board.

The Neck guards rule became mandatory for experienced players in 2015; nonetheless, notable athletes like David Warner, Steve Smith, and Usman Khawaja among other big names disobeyed. According to the most recent developments, CA has only mandated that players facing fast or medium-paced bowlers must wear the guard on their helmets.

Additionally, the wicketkeeper, a player fielding in close proximity, and a batsman facing a spinner are exempt from the regulation. The choice was taken in response to the unfortunate death of Phillip Hughes in 2014, which occurred during a domestic match.

Players who break the rule, which takes effect on October 1, will also be subject to code of conduct fines. The decision was made following professional deliberation, according to Peter Roach, chief of cricket operations for CA, who also emphasised the value of the neck protector.

“In our sport, protecting the head and neck is crucial. According to Peter Roach, who was quoted by ESPNcricinfo, “the neck protection product has come a long way in recent years, and the decision to make them necessary comes off of a lot of advice and engagement with a wide spectrum of specialists and stakeholders.

CA modifies in advance of BBL 2023–24

Among other modifications, CA stated that the balls striking the roof of Melbourne’s Docklands Stadium will no longer automatically result in a “six.” The on-field umpires will evaluate whether the ball was moving for six according to the trajectory, and if they determine it was not, it will be deemed a dead ball.

With the exception of concussion exams, on-field injury evaluations will be limited to a single five-minute session in order to expedite play. The COVID-19 substitute rule will no longer be a part of the playing rules for the upcoming season, according to the board.