Representation of Overs Limitation for an Individual in Rain-Affected Match

Abstract

This paper proposes a method for determining overs limitations for individual bowlers in rain-affected cricket matches by integrating analysis of bowling strike rates with the number of remaining overs, constrained by time limits. The strategy is developed in opposition to the current Duckworth-Lewis (D/L), Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS), ICC, and PCB rules, which tend to stabilize the number of overs that individual bowlers can have at a fifth of the total amount of overs. As much as this rule is operationally easy, it is not always fair to competing teams. Specifically, it does not consider the contribution of the best or worst bowlers since there is no limit constructed regarding the performance related to aspects like bowling strike rate, pace, ball speed, and the average run rate of the ongoing match, particularly when there are breaks after the midpoint of the play is achieved. In addition, there may be an over as the number of overs may not be a multiple of five. In these cases, the extra over is devolved to the whims of the bowling team and is frequently distributed to the most talented of the bowlers instead of according to some objective, factor-based criterion. This discretionary allocation can bring bias and disrupt the balance of the competition. The suggested overs-limitation method solves these apprehensions by estimating “n” or “(n + R)”, i.e., how many overs each bowler is entitled to, with the help of the mean bowling strike rate of the team and the individual bowling strike rates of the team bowlers. The method will increase fairness and transparency by combining objective performance measures and practical decision-making.