The Impact Player rule allows teams to substitute one player.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia on Saturday (May 2) denied that IPL franchises have officially requested a change to the Impact Player rule, amid ongoing criticism.
While acknowledging the debate, Saikia stated there is no immediate plan to change it, but a review will take place after the end of the 2026 season.
Introduced in 2023, the Impact Player rule allows teams to substitute one player, effectively making IPL a 12 vs 12 contest.
The rule has led to significantly higher scores, with averages increasing from 160 to 185+ due to increased batting depth on flat wickets. Critics, including some players and coaches, suggest the rule disadvantages bowlers and stifles the development of all-rounders in India, making the review crucial for the future of the game.
“This has been going on for the last two years. We are reviewing it after this tournament is over, and in the middle of the tournament, we cannot take any call," Saikia told reporters in Mumbai, as quoted by PTI.
“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 added.
Saikia also dismissed criticism of high-scoring IPL 2026 matches, highlighting that the tournament offers a full spectrum of scores—ranging from low-scoring thrillers to successful chases of 260+ runs.
“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 scores too if you look at the overall scorecards and some teams are chasing 260 also. Everything is happening… it is a full bouquet in one package," he remarked.