The Impact Player rule, introduced in IPL 2023, has sparked ongoing debate within cricket circles, particularly regarding its impact on the game’s dynamics, especially for all-rounders.
This innovative rule enables teams to substitute an active player with another, tailored to fulfill a specific role during the match. For instance, the team batting first may opt to substitute a batsman with a bowler during the second innings when defending the target, and vice versa.
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Wasim Akram Slams IPL 2024’s “Impact Player” Rule
The Impact Player rule has faced intense scrutiny recently, with cricket legends and former players criticizing its effect on the role of all-rounders.
A notable example is Shivam Dube, who has bowled just one over in IPL 2024. This limited opportunity is attributed to CSK‘s use of the Impact Player, which involves substituting a player for a bowler in the second innings.
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram also weighed in on the ongoing debate regarding the role of an Impact Player.
During an exclusive interview given to SportsKeeda, Akram highlighted that the Impact Player rule has restricted the role of all-rounders, who are now being used mainly as a specialist batters.
I don’t like Impact Player Rule. I really don’t,” Akram told Sportskeeda.
The rule that particularly caught my attention is the one implemented in the Big Bash League, known as the Power Surge. This rule designates Power Plays for the initial four overs, with the option to utilize the remaining two overs at any time between the 11th and 20th overs.
Akram elaborated that he isn’t fond of the IPL’s Impact Player as it has limited the role of all-rounders within the team.
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How Impact Player Rule Works?
In addition to the Playing XI, IPL teams can also name five substitute players as per Impact Player Rule.
During the breaks in the match, be it the fall of the wicket, drinks break, start of the innings or at the end of the over, the teams can use one player from the substitute list to replace an active player in the Playing 11.
It’s worth highlighting that the player getting replaced by the Impact Player can not take participate in the match.
