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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will be reexamining the two-bouncer and impact player rule before the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025, potentially impacting the Indian Premier League (IPL). Originally introduced on a trial basis during India’s domestic T20 competitions, the rule was also implemented in the 2024 edition of the IPL. It was particularly advantageous for bowlers on flat pitches with short boundaries, especially with the introduction of the impact player rule. Notably, international cricket limits bowlers to just one bouncer per over.
Ongoing debate on Impact player rule
According to the Cricbuzz report, The off-season has sparked extensive discussions about the impact player rule, with various opinions emerging from broadcasters, franchises, and players. The future of both the impact player and two-bouncer rules in the SMAT remains uncertain. The outcomes of this tournament are expected to play a significant role in determining whether these rules will be retained for the IPL.
“We recognize the importance of the Impact Player and two-bouncer rules, but no final decision has been made.” A state cricket unit official remarked was quoted as saying by the Cricbuzz.
Understanding the Impact player rule
The BCCI introduced the impact player rule before the last season, requiring teams to announce a playing XI plus a 12th player after the toss. This 12th player could be substituted for any of the original XI during the match. Although the rule aimed to add a dynamic element to the game, many players expressed concerns that it diminished the role of all-rounders. While some cricket experts and support staff have voiced support for the rule, the majority of opinions have been critical.
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Context of the two-bouncers rule
The two-bouncer rule permits bowlers to deliver two bouncers per over in limited-overs games, whereas the ICC allows only one bouncer per over in these formats, with two permitted in multi-day matches. The BCCI introduced this rule to strike a balance between bat and ball, but they are now reassessing its viability. The two-bouncer rule had a limited impact in its debut season, as it was overshadowed by other playing conditions and the aggressive strategies employed by batters, bolstered by the flexibility provided by the impact player rule. The season witnessed record-breaking scores, leading to criticism from various quarters, particularly regarding the impact player rule, which some believed undermined the role of all-rounders.
Upcoming decisions on key rules
The SMAT 2025 is slated to run from November 23 to December 15, and state associations are eagerly awaiting the BCCI’s decisions on the impact player and two-bouncer rules. Although the BCCI has already distributed the playing conditions and other documents for the domestic season, specific conditions for SMAT have not yet been provided. The report further stated that, the BCCI has assured state units that the “Men’s T20 Playing Conditions will be shared shortly.” The BCCI is expected to finalize its decisions regarding the playing conditions and retention rules by early September.
