Zaheer believes this rule contributes to the overall "improvement" of Indian cricket.
During the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, the Impact Player rule was a hot topic of debate regarding its implementation and consequences.
Some players like India skipper Rohit Sharma openly opposed the rule, citing that it is hampering the development of all-rounders in the country.
Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) new mentor Zaheer Khan has called for the continuation of the Impact Player rule in the IPL.
Zaheer, who filled the position left vacated by Gautam Gambhir at LSG, believes that this rule contributes to the overall "improvement" of Indian cricket.
"There has been a debate around the impact sub rule. I'm going on record to say that I'm all for it," Zaheer told reporters, as quoted by PTI, after he was unveiled as mentor at its team owner's headquarters in Kolkata on Wednesday (August 28).
The Impact Player rule was introduced in IPL 2023. Under this rule, each team can name as many as four substitute players along with their playing XI at the toss. One of them can replace a member from the original XI during the match and the player will be called Impact Player.
According to Zaheer, the Impact Player rule has significantly benefited young Indian talents, providing them with valuable opportunities in the tournament.
"It has definitely given opportunities to a lot of uncapped Indian talents. It is something you will see this in the mega auction when teams will be looking at them," he said.
"That opportunity goes a long way with improving Indian cricket on the whole. The time spent in match time, it's something you cannot beat. That's the biggest plus."
"As far as all-rounders are concerned, right now there is no space for a half all-rounder because of the impact sub (rule). But if you are a genuine all-rounder, (then) no one can stop you. There is always going to be a value addition with the ability with bat and ball," he added.
(With PTI Inputs)