The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has removed the Impact Player rule from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), the national domestic Twenty20 competition. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournament begins on November 23 and will run till December 15.

While this action was widely anticipated, it contradicts the BCCI's insistence on the clause in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The BCCI recently told the IPL franchisees that the regulation would be retained for the forthcoming IPL season.

The BCCI confirmed the SMAT decision to the state association in a message sent Monday evening. In a short communication, the BCCI said, "Kindly note that the BCCI has decided to do away with the provision of 'Impact Player' for the ongoing season."

The Impact Player rule was implemented in the SMAT as an experiment a few seasons ago, and it was later and expectedly adopted in the IPL.  

While it increased excitement for broadcasters by turning the league into a major visual spectacle with high totals posted and chased, it did not have the same impact on the players.  

Many captains and coaches believed the rule was not in the best interests of the tournament. It also hampered the development of all-rounders, as teams began to prioritize specialist hitters and bowlers over all-round players.

(Cricbuzz report)