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The ‘Impact Player’ rule permits teams to make a substitution in their playing XI during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match, allowing them to enhance their lineups strategically.
The rule, introduced in 2023, has recently ignited a debate within the cricketing community. Notable players such as Rohit Sharma, Axar Patel, Mukesh Kumar, David Miller, Mitchell Starc and Mohammed Siraj have expressed concerns about the Impact Sub-rule, while others have voiced their support. Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri has contributed his perspective to this ongoing discussion.
Ravi Shastri shares his opinion about the Impact Player rule
While talking to Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel, Shastri expressed his support for the Impact Player rule in the IPL, highlighting its role in creating exciting match endings. Shastri emphasized the necessity of adapting to evolving circumstances and noted the prevalence of similar practices in other sports. He stressed the positive impact of the rule, particularly in generating tighter finishes in matches. Referring to the numerous closely contested games witnessed in the previous year’s IPL, Shastri highlighted the rule’s significant influence.
“The Impact Player is good. You have to evolve with the times. You know, it happens in other sports as well. It’s got tighter finishes. You have to evolve with the times and I think it’s a good rule. You saw the number of tight finishes we had in last year’s IPL. So, you know, it has made a big difference,” Shastri told Ashwin on his YouTube channel, as quoted by TOI.
Shastri further added that when a new rule is introduced, there’s typically initial scepticism as people search for reasons it might fail. Nevertheless, as time passes and fans witness high scores like 200 and 190, their viewpoints will likely change, leading them to reassess their opinions on the rule based on its results.
“You know when any new rule comes in, there will be…people will try and justify why that’s not right. But in time when you see the scores – 200 and 190 – and then like you mentioned individuals grabbing that opportunity and making the most of it, people will start re-looking at how they think about it,” the 61-year-old stated.
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Jay Shah cites the Impact Player rule as a non-permanent test
Amidst the intense debate surrounding this rule, BCCI secretary Jay Shah shared his views on it. Speaking to the media at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai, Shah described the Impact Player rule as an experiment and emphasized that it was intended to be temporary. He indicated that the Board would engage in discussions with players, franchises, and broadcasters to determine the future of this rule.
“Impact Player is like a test case. We have implemented it slowly. The biggest advantage of it is that two Indian players are getting a chance [in each game], which is the most important. We will consult with the players, franchises, broadcasters [and take a call]. This is not permanent [but] I am not saying that it will go,” Shah told the media.
