Picture Credit: X
With the members of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian Premier League (IPL) all set to host a meeting on July 31 to discuss various topics around the cash-rich league with the mega auction set to take place later this year, new reports have revealed that the impact player rule is set to continue in the next edition too.
Although, the IPL franchise owners are looking for a clear picture with respect to player retentions, ‘Right to Match’ and the impact player rule, a report by Sportstar stated that the impact player ruled, which was introduced in 2023, is likely to stay for the 2025 season as well. This rule has received a lot of criticism from players as well as pundits alike, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. But the stakeholders feel that it has simply made the tournament and the matches more intense and interesting.
“We will discuss each and every factor with the franchises and decide on the future course of action accordingly. We want a healthy discussion, and the only objective is to ensure that all franchises get an equal opportunity,” a BCCI source said as quoted by Sportstar.
What is the Impact Player rule in IPL?
The Impact Player rule was introduced in the IPL in 2023. The basic idea behind this rule is to allow one substitute player per team to play an active part in matches with bat or ball. An Impact Player is different from the regular substitution rule in international cricket which allows a substitute fielder to replace an injured player on the field, but they cannot bat or bowl in the match.
Although, a concussion substitute in international cricket can bat and bowl, it’s an injury forced substitution rather than a tactical move, like the Impact Player rule.
In case of the Impact Player rule, the IPL allows teams to name five substitute players in addition to their Playing XI. After the match starts, captains of both teams can nominate any one of the five substitutes to replace one of their players from the XI. This can be done at the start of an inning, at the end of an over, at a fall of a wicket or when the batter retires.
