The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is open to experiment with the ‘Impact Player’ regulation in its domestic T20 tournaments, including the marquee Indian Premier League (IPL).
As per a report published in The Indian Express, the rule will enable teams to replace any one member of their playing XI during a match, which they think will improve their chances of winning.
The rule is set to come into effect in the upcoming edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, slated to get underway on October 11.
The report further stated that the rule is likely to be implemented in the IPL as well from the 2023 edition onwards.
“With the ever- growing popularity of T20 cricket, it is imperative that we look at introducing new dimensions which will make this format more attractive and interesting not only for our viewers but also the participating teams from a strategic viewpoint,” the report quoted a BCCI circular regarding the rule.
“Teams need to identify playing XI and 4 substitutes at the time of the toss. Out of the 4 substitutes named in the team sheet, only one of the players can be used as an Impact player,” the BCCI circular further stated.
This rule isn’t something for the T20 audiences as it was first introduced in the Big Bash League (BBL) as the 'X-factor Player'.
According to BBL's X-factor rule, captains submit two more names in addition to their respective Playing XIs. At the 10-over mark of the first innings, each team has an option of swapping one out of the aforementioned two players as their 'X-factor' player.
Coming to the ‘Impact Player’, it can be introduced any time before the completion of the 14th over of either innings.
The captain, head coach and team manager will have to inform the on-field officials or the fourth umpire about the same.
“Player who is replaced by an Impact Player can no longer take part in the remainder of the match and is also not permitted to return as a substitute fielder. If a player gets injured while fielding in mid over, the current playing condition prevails under 24.1 – substitute fielders,” the circular adds.
For the batting team, the Impact player can be introduced either at the fall of a wicket or during the innings break.
“After the introduction of Impact Player in game, a player can bat and may bowl a full allotment of 4 overs in an uninterrupted innings. In case a player gets retired hurt, Impact Player can be introduced only at the end of the over in progress and is eligible to bat. In any situation, only 11 players can bat,” the circular says.
On the other hand, the bowling team can introduce its Impact Player at the end of an over or if a fielder gets injured midway through an over.
“An Impact Player may bowl a full allotment of 4 overs in an uninterrupted inning irrespective of the number of overs previously bowled by the player he is replacing. If a bowler is suspended because of any breach of law, then he cannot be replaced by the Impact Player,” the circular states.
(The Indian Express inputs)
