BCCI Announces New 'Impact Player' Rule For Domestic T20s. Here's What You Need To Know

BCCI issued a circular to the cricket boards of all the states, in which information related to this rule has been given. To increase the excitement of the game of cricket, BCCI has introduced this new rule.

New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is all set to implement a new rule, 'Impact Player' regulation in the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy starting from October 11, 2022. BCCI introduced this new rule to make the format more interesting. As per the rule, in every match, captains of both teams will name 15 players for the match instead of 11. Also, teams can replace one player of their playing XI during a game if they consider it strategically useful.

The new rule can be implemented for the first time in Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament. Australia's T20 league Big Bash already has such a rule, named X Factor. As per this rule, if the coach and captain feel, they change any one player before the 10th over of the first innings. However, only that player can be replaced by a new player who has not batted and bowled more than one over.

BCCI issued a circular to the cricket boards of all the states, in which information related to this rule has been given. It has been said that in view of the increasing popularity of T20 cricket, preparations are being made to bring something new and exciting.

The BCCI wrote, "With the rapidly growing popularity of T20 cricket, it is important 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."

"Teams need to identify eleven members that will go on the field, along with four substitutes, at the time of the toss. From the 4 substitutes named in the team sheet, only one of the players can be utilised as an Impact player," the BCCI circular informed.

"A player who will be replaced by an impact player can no longer take part in the remaining match and will not be permitted to take part in the game 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.

The circular states,"After the launch of the Impact Player rule in the 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, an 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. "

"An Impact Player may bowl a full allotment of 4 overs during an inning, disregarding the number of overs earlier bowled by the player he is substituting. If a bowler is suspended because of any breach of the law, then he cannot be substituted by the impact player," the circular states.