BCCI to retain Impact Player rule for IPL 2024 despite mixed feedback

The Impact Player rule is set to continue in IPL 2024. BCCI had earlier decided to take a call on the “super sub” player after a discussion with captains and franchises. While many, especially the foreign coaches and captains were against it, Indian players received it well. And with that, it continued at the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy with a tweak. Now, it will continue in the next edition of Indian Premier League as well.

In Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023, Impact Player Rule was tweaked, allowing teams to make the substitution anytime during the match. In the last edition, it was restricted to 14th over. There is also a chance that Impact Player rule make into the Women’s Premier League in the 2nd edition (WPL 2024).

“Yes, the Impact Player Rule will continue next season. We have received positive feedback from captains and coaches. It gives the match a new dynamic and adds excitement. It also gives teams flexibility in terms of selection,” a senior BCCI official told InsideSport.

However, it must be added that not everyone was happy with the Impact Player rule. David Warner said, “it could be confusing at times.”

Ricky Ponting was not happy as the rule negates the role of an all-rounder. Those with dual skills (batting and bowling) command bidding wars during auctions. Sam Curran, Cameron Green and Ben Stokes have been sold for over 14 crore each at the last auction because of their skill set.

“It actually almost negates the role of allrounders in the game now. So unless they’re absolutely world-class and they’re getting picked either as a batsman or as a bowler, not sort of a bits and pieces guy, then I don’t think you’ll see many, many teams this year actually use the guy that might bat at seven and maybe bowling over or two. Because you don’t need those guys anymore,” Ricky Ponting said last year.

What is Impact Player rule in IPL?

As per IPL handbook, a team can bring an Impact Player to replace another player originally named in the Playing XI. But the player who is replaced can no longer take part in the match. Furthermore, an Impact Player can only be an Indian unless the team fields less than four foreign players in the match day squad.

Teams should announce five substitutes apart from the Playing XI before the start of the match.
A team can bring in an Impact Player before the start of the innings, after the fall of a wicket or at the end of an over.
Impact Player can be used in case of an injury. But the injured player can no longer take part in the match.
The substitute player can bat and bowl a full quota of overs irrespective of the player he is replacing.
But the Impact Player rule does not apply to matches shortened to 10 overs or less.

Will there be any tweaks in IPL 2024?

The Impact Player Rule is expected to continue at its current avatar. There is unlikely to be any tweak. However, the IPL Governing Council will discuss whether any change in the rule is necessary.

“As of now, no. There won’t be any changes. Any discussion over the rule or changes in any existing rules will be discussed at the GC meeting in November. If all the members feel the necessity, we will take a call,” the senior BCCI official said.

Following the Cricket World Cup, the IPL Governing Council will meet to discuss the dates of IPL 2024 auction. As reported earlier, franchises have not been officially informed about the venue. However, for the first time, it will likely be held outside India with Dubai being the preferred venue. IPL 2024 Auction will take place on December 19.

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