Picture Credit: IPL
In order to make the T20 format more interesting for the viewers as well as the participants, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a new rule, 'Impact Player Rule' for the domestic T20 league, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The rule is said to be inspired from the sports like football, basketball among others.
An identical rule is already been used in the Big Bash League since the 2020 edition, which is named 'X Factor Player' rule. The rule allows Australian franchises to replace one player from their squad after the 10th over of the first innings. The teams can replace a player, who is yet to bat or hasn't bowled more than an over.
In a note to state association, the BCCI stated, "The concept is to allow one substitute player per team to take a more active part in a match. This would add a new tactical/strategic dimension to the game. A number of team sports allow teams to make tactical substitutes i.e. football, rugby, basketball, baseball. The substitute is allowed to perform or participate like any other regular player."
The BCCI further explained the ' Impact Player ' rule that mentioned the teams are required to disclose the names of the four probable substitutions and could use one player as a replacement for the Playing XI player, who wouldn't be allowed to take part in the remaining match.
"Teams need to identify playing XI and 4 substitutes at the time of the toss. Out of the 4 substitutes named in the team sheet, only one of the players can be used as an Impact player. Player who is replaced by an Impact Player can no longer take part in the remainder of the match and is also not permitted to return as a substitute fielder. If a player gets injured while fielding in mid-over, the current playing condition prevails under 24.1 – substitute fielders," the note added.
The Indian governing body for cricket has suggested one substitution with the Impact player in a match, which can be used either at the fall of wicket or during the innings end for the batting side. For the bowling side, the substitution is not allowed in the middle of an over except injury circumstances.
A similar rule, 'Super Sub' was introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2005 for a 10-month trial period. According to this rule, each team have to name one player before the toss to replace a player at any point in the game. However, Super Sub rule was widely criticised as it favours the team winning the toss.
