The much-debated Impact Player Rule in the Indian Premier League is set to be reviewed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India after the conclusion of the 2026 season. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia responded to the criticism of the rule, stating that discussions about the issue have been going on for the last two years.
The Impact Player Rule, or the Impact Sub rule, was introduced by the BCCI in 2023 to add excitement to the tournament. The Impact Player rule is a simple substitution that allows an IPL team to sub out any player in favour of another. In turn, teams either bolster their batting or bowling units, depending on match conditions.
IMPACT PLAYER RULES: PROBLEMS
The rule has allowed teams to essentially play with eight batters and then sub out one of them in favour of a bowler. With IPL pitches getting flatter, the rule has helped teams hit very high totals, tilting the competition between bat and ball.
Since the advent of this rule scores of 250+ have become more frequent. In fact, earlier this year, in a match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, DC lost the game even after scoring a mammoth total of 264 runs. Punjab Kings, aided by the Impact Player rule, smashed their way to the total in less than 19 overs. This was the highest chase in T20 history.
Similarly, Mumbai Indians lost their home game against SunRisers Hyderabad after the SRH side chased down the target of 244 runs in just 18.4 overs.
One of the detrimental effects of the rule has been the reduction of the role of all-rounders in the league, as it has allowed teams to sub in either a specialist batter or a bowler, depending on their needs during a game.
Critics of the rule say that it will eventually end up hurting Team India in international games, where the Impact Sub rule does not exist.
BCCI SET TO REVIEW RULE
Saikia, however, said there has been no complaint as such from IPL teams about the Impact Player rule, as the season has witnessed high-scoring matches frequently.
“Some low-scoring matches are also there. All the fans are enjoying the matches. The bowlers are getting good wickets as well. Some teams are scoring very low totals too if you look at the overall scorecards, and some teams are chasing 260 also,” he said.
“Everything is happening it is a full bouquet in one package,” Saikia added.
While defending the rule, Saikia also said that it will be reviewed after the conclusion of this season’s IPL, which ends on May 31.
“This discussion on the rule has been going on for the last two years. We will review it after this tournament is over, and in the middle of the tournament, we cannot take any call,” Saikia said.
“There is no official request that we should revisit this particular Impact Player proposition. It is in the media that I sometimes read it. But if it comes from the teams, then we’ll have to take a call. But till now, no such situation has arisen,” he concluded.
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