Strategic timeout is an integral component of the Indian Premier League that was introduced from its second season. The strategic timeout is a specific time period in the game where teams take a break to strategize or reenergize for the rest of the match.
The strategic timeout in its first introduction to the Indian Premier League (IPL) lasted for seven minutes. In both innings of the match, this timeout was taken at the end of the tenth over in each innings. However, the bulk of this timeout was dedicated to television commercials, which sparked outbursts from the viewers regarding deduction of its total time. As a result, the time period and the number of strategic timeouts were revised.
As per the revised rules, each team is given one strategic timeout to be used per innings. The batting side can take this timeout anywhere between the 13th to 16th over of the innings. The bowling side can take their timeout between the 6th to 9th over of the innings. If the team or the captain does not opt for a timeout in the given timeframe, then the umpires call for a timeout at the end of the 9th or the 16th over, depending on which team opted out for taking the strategic timeout.
A strategic timeout allows the players to rehydrate, and strategize for the remainder of the innings. Furthermore, the timeout may also be a tactical move, wherein a captain may opt for it to break the opposition team’s rhythm.
The strategic timeout was temporarily increased to three minutes for one season. However, for the majority of its history, the strategic timeout lasts for two minutes and thirty seconds.
