The innovative 'Impact Player Rule' introduced in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 has now become a topic of intense debate. Opinions are sharply divided over its continued relevance, with many cricketing legends expressing dissatisfaction. Even India's captain Rohit Sharma has raised questions about the rule.
... Will the contentious rule be tossed out?
It's possible that the rule might be axed from IPL 2024 onwards. Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has made a significant statement regarding its future implementation. Shah remarked that if all stakeholder consensus is achieved, the rule initially introduced as an experiment, could be reviewed.
The 'Impact Player Rule' has led to teams surpassing the score of 250 on eight occasions this IPL season. Players, coaches, and experts feel that bowlers are at a disadvantage as teams gain an extra batsman due to the rule. Rohit Sharma also mentioned that all-rounders were losing bowling opportunities because of it.
Source: aajtak
In a media interaction at the BCCI office, Jay Shah stated, 'The Impact Player rule was implemented as an experimental measure. It provides two additional Indian players the chance to participate. Isn't that significant? The game is also becoming more competitive.' Shah added that after the T20 World Cup, all relevant parties would convene to discuss the rule's future.
Shah explained, 'If players feel it's not right, we'll discuss it. So far, nobody has raised such concerns. A decision on its future will be taken after IPL and the World Cup, with feedback from the players, teams, and broadcasters. This is not a permanent rule, and I'm not asserting that it will definitely be terminated.'
Indian Players Don't Need Rest, Says Shah
Additionally, Jay Shah dismissed the need for rest for Indian players heading to the T20 World Cup, arguing that competition is the best preparation. He asserted, 'Why do they need rest? It's like a practice session. What better preparation than facing an excellent team comprised of a bowler from New Zealand, another from Australia, and one from Sri Lanka? If we rest a bowler, they won't get the chance to bowl to someone like Travis Head. Only when Jasprit Bumrah bowls at him will he truly understand how to deliver the ball effectively.'
Shah also mentioned that the board is focusing on increasing the number of matches to promote women's cricket. 'We care for women's cricket just as we do for men's. There's the World Cup in Bangladesh, and we're also playing bilateral series,' he said. Kohli has become the 20th batsman to hit 400 or more sixes in T20 cricket.
What is the 'Impact Player Rule'?
To clarify, the 'Impact Player Rule' debuted in IPL 2023 but was first introduced in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2022-23 (SMAT 2022-23). Under this rule, a team can include one 'Impact Player' tactically during the match.
In the IPL, the 'Impact Player Rule' allows both teams to name five substitutes in addition to the playing eleven. One of these five acts as the 'Impact Player' and can participate in both batting and bowling. The player substituted out by the 'Impact Player' is no longer utilizable during the match.
