Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
With talks around the Indian Premier League (IPL) intensifying, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to announce its decision on key points, including player retentions, Right To Match (RTM), the Impact Player rule, and several others. However, the clarity on the same is still awaited by the franchises, reports reveal that it has been closely reviewing the two-bouncer and Impact Player rule.
However, several reports have addressed that the Impact Player rule is set to remain in the IPL 2025, but the board remains undecided on the whether to retain the two-bouncer per over rule. It is to be noted that these rules are intended specifically for the men’s T20 inter-state competitions, like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), according to Cricbuzz.
In international cricket, a bowler is permitted to bowl only one bouncer per over. But the BCCI is currently reviewing its implementation and considering potential changes ahead of the next edition of the cash-rich league. “We understand that Impact Player and two-bouncer rules are the key points and no decision has been taken,” an official of state unit said as quoted by TOI.
Moreover, it is to be understood that the decision to continue these rules in SMAT will decide their continuation in IPL.
Zaheer Khan stands in support of Impact Player rule
While the Impact Player rule remains the topic to be most talked about, Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) new signing, Zaheer Khan also expressed his support for the rule. The 45-year-old, who has been signed by the LSG as their mentor for IPL 2025, said, “There has been a debate around the impact sub rule. I’m going on record to say that I’m all for it. It has definitely given opportunities to a lot of uncapped Indian talents. It is something you will see in the mega auction when teams will be looking at them.”
"As far as all-rounders are concerned, right now there is no space for a half all-rounder because of the impact sub (rule). But if you are a genuine all-rounder, (then) no one can stop you. There is always going to be a value addition with the ability with bat and ball," Zaheer Khan added at his unveiling event with LSG in Kolkata.
