The BCCI Apex Council on Friday approved the participation of the Indian men's and women's teams for the Asian Games 2023, which will be held in Hangzhou in September-October. India had not taken part cricket event in Incheon Asian Games in 2014.

While a second-string Indian men’s team will participate in the event, which begins on September 28, as it coincides with the Men in Blue’s preparation for World Cup 2023. But a full-strength side will be picked for the women's event, beginning September 19.

In a note, BCCI said considering the crowded international schedule, it will be a challenge to field a team at Asian Games but contributing to the national cause is also important.

"Through effective planning, communication, and co-ordination, the BCCI aims to navigate those challenges successfully and contribute to the national cause by fielding a team in both men's and women's categories in line with the Government of India's directions," the board said as per PTI report.

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In another decision taken by the BCCI Apex Council, IPL-like impact player rule will be introduced in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy (SMAT) beginning October 16.

The Impact Player was introduced in SMAT last season but it had to be brought before the end of the 14th over and had to be named before the toss.

But from this season onwards, the teams will be allowed to name four substitutes besides the playing eleven before the toss. Out of the four substitutes, only one can be used as an Impact Player.

"Both teams are allowed to use one Impact Player per match. It is, however, not compulsory," read one of the guidelines on the rule.

(PTI inputs)