Impact player rule in IPL: The Impact Player rule has been introduced to the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2023 season. It allows teams to replace one player from their starting XI at any point during the game with any of the five substitution players listed at the toss. The new rule has similarities to other team sports like basketball, rugby, and football in terms of substitutes.
This rule was adopted from the Australian Big Bash League and has since been verified and put into practice in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Teams will be able to adjust their strategies as the game goes on by by using Impact Player rule.
What is Impact Player?
Picture this scenario: five undercover players waiting in the dressing room, ready to step onto the field and change the game. Enter the enchantment of the IPL’s innovative Impact Player rule, a game-changer that adds an exhilarating twist to the cricketing spectacle. Here’s the breakdown:
Before the match kicks off, teams strategically select five clandestine agents known as “Impact Players,” supplementing their regular playing XI.
Once the game is underway, behold the Surprise Switch! Captains have the power to make a tactical substitution during any natural break in the match—be it the start of an innings, the conclusion of an over, a wicket falling, or a batter retiring. This exercise allows them to replace one starting XI player with an Impact Player, introducing an element of strategic surprise.
A twist in the bowling department: if a bowler is swapped in the middle of an over, they are prohibited from completing that over. However, they retain the right to bowl their entire quota of four overs.
But wait, there’s a catch: the “Switch!” power-up can only be activated once per game, adding an element of strategic decision-making for the captains.
The consequence of this game-changing move is that the replaced player is benched for the remainder of the match, adding a layer of finality to the substitution.
Now, let’s talk about the Foreign Player Rule. If a team has fielded four foreign players in their starting XI, the Impact Player must be an Indian cricketer. On the other hand, if a team has three or fewer foreigners in their starting lineup, they have the option to unleash another overseas player from their substitutes as the Impact Player.
The Impact Player isn’t merely a substitute; it’s a catalyst for unpredictability, allowing captains to adapt dynamically during the course of the game and keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
Impact Player Regulations:
Eligibility for Impact Player:
- One of the five substitutes named at the toss.
- Can be a batter, bowler, or all-rounder.
- Must be an Indian player unless there are fewer than four overseas players in the starting XI.
Introduction Timing:
- Can be introduced at any point during the first or second innings.
- Substitution is allowed only during stoppages in play, such as at the end of an over, after a dismissal, or at the start of an innings.
Fate of the Replaced Player:
- The replaced player leaves the field and cannot re-enter the game.
- The replaced player loses the ability to bowl or bat in the ongoing match.
Benefits of the Impact Player Rule:
- Introduces flexibility to team strategies.
- Allows teams to respond to the situation and playing conditions.
- Provides an opportunity to incorporate a specialist player capable of influencing the game.
Other Rules in IPL
- Announcement of Playing 11s: Captains can now reveal their playing 11 and four substitute fielders after the toss, rather than providing team sheets before the coin toss. This allows captains to adapt based on whether their team is batting or bowling first.
- DRS for Wides and No-balls: Players can use the Decision Review System (DRS) to contest wide or no-ball decisions made by on-field umpires. Initially implemented in WPL 2023, this rule will be introduced in IPL 2023, providing an additional layer of review for teams.
- Slow Over Rate Penalty : Teams must start bowling the 20th over within 90 minutes. If behind the over rate, the bowling team will be restricted to four fielders outside the 30-yard circle for every incomplete over beyond the time limit.
- Unfair Movements Penalty: If the on-field umpire observes any unfair movement by the wicketkeeper or fielder before a delivery, the fielding side will incur a 5-run penalty, and the delivery will be deemed a dead ball.
Impact Player Rule in IPL criticisms:
Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer stated on social media platform X that he thought the ‘Impact Player’ rule should be removed from the Indian Premier League (IPL). He pointed out that all-rounders are not being encouraged to bowl by the rule, and it is concerning for Indian cricket that they are becoming less involved in the bowling game.
The Impact Player rule is a controversial addition, to sum up. It carries the risk of upsetting the game’s flow even though it has the ability to add excitement and strategic elements to the IPL.
FAQs
A foreign player is allowed to be an impact player. If a team has fielded less than four foreign players in their playing XI. If there is already four foreign player in the playing squad then Impact Player must be an Indian cricketer.
The impact player rule can be used only once per match. Benched player not allowed to be back in playing eleven for the rest of game.
Tushar Deshpande was the first Impact Player in IPL history after replaced Ambati Rayudu in the 2023 IPL opening match. Played between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad.
Jason Behrendorff form Mumbai Indians (MI) became the first overseas player in impact player category. Replaced by Suryakumar Yadav in IPL 2023 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
In each match, every team has the option to field 12 players. According to the standard rule, the playing XI is made of 11 players. And an additional player known as the “Impact Player” can be substituted from playing XI.
