IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal has responded to criticism levied upon the league following the enforcement of the ‘Impact Player Rule’ last year. Many, including the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, have spoken against the rule, calling it detrimental to all-rounders’ progress and making the game heavily in favour of batters.
Rohit had claimed that the rule was “going to hold back all-rounders” and that “cricket is played by 11, not 12 (players).” His teammate, Kohli, agreed as well, saying, “Entertainment is one aspect of the game, but there is no balance.”
IPL bears no responsibility
Talking with RevSportz, Dhumal responded to the criticism on the front foot. He asked, “Is the responsibility of developing all-rounders (lies) only on this tournament (IPL)?” Given that the IPL is one of many BCCI tournaments, including Ranji, Vijay Hazare, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophies, the onus of player or all-rounder development shouldn’t just fall upon the cash-rich league.
“The BCCI is conducting more than 2,000 cricket matches in a year, where the players get the opportunities to showcase their talent. The Vijay Hazare Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, U-16, U-19… There are so many tournaments. And if you see, all the best all-rounders are still part of the team. So, you have to raise your benchmark as an all-rounder to be part of the team,” Dhumal added.
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Impact Player Rule’s future in IPL uncertain
The IPL Chairman also answered the question of whether the rule is here to stay in the IPL or if it will be discarded amid heavy scrutiny. Dhumal remained tight-lipped on the matter, claiming that not much has been discussed about the rule’s existence in the present or future.
“That we will discuss with all the stakeholders. Will see their feedback and point of views also. And what works best for the tournament, in the interest of the players and franchises, we will do that. In the larger interest of the game, whatever is best for the tournament, we will do that,” said Dhumal.
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