The Impact Player rule is one of the most debated aspects of IPL. The rule, already at play in the Big Bash League, made its way into the IPL in 2023. Two years into its implementation, the Impact Player rule has faced considerable backlash from both players and fans. During a meeting on July 31 with IPL franchise owners, the BCCI deliberated on the rule’s future. The rule is said to be hindering the traditional facets of the sport and diminishing the role of all-rounders in the game play. Read below to learn more about the effect of the Impact Player Rule on IPL.

What is the Impact Player Rule?

The Impact Player rule allows teams to replace a player from the Playing 11 with a substitute pick at any point during a match. The substituted player can no longer participate in the game and the ‘impact player’ plays the entirety of the match from there on. Respective captains are required to name five eligible substitutes along with the Playing XI at the toss. These substitutes can be called upon later to suit the team's requirements as the situation plays. Every team is subjected to use the rule once during the run of the match.

This rule fundamentally changes how teams approach their Playing XI, as adjustments can be made based on match conditions. For instance, captains can bring in a spinner on a turning pitch or a pacer if swing is on offer. Historically, the Playing XI announced at the toss was final, with only injury substitutions allowed during a match. Unlike traditional substitutes who continue where the injured player left off, the impact substitute operates independently, with full access to their quota of play, be it overs for a bowler or batting opportunities.

Why did the Impact Player Rule Face Criticism?

The Impact Player rule was embraced by teams from the outset, with CSK’s Tushar Deshpande becoming the first-ever Impact Player during the IPL 2023 opener. However, its widespread use raised questions about its influence on the role of all-rounders. The rule allows teams to replace a specialist batter with a specialist bowler or vice versa, effectively diminishing the role of an all-rounder in the team. For example, a team batting first can play a specialist batter and later substitute them with a specialist bowler for the second innings. Similarly, a chasing team can bring in a big hitter toward the end of the game. This negates the strategic balance an all-rounder traditionally provides and has altered team dynamics, effectively making games a 12-player contest.

Moreover, the rule enables teams to bat deeper and bowl with an extra option. Most teams now feature a lineup capable of batting until the 8th wicket, and it has become common to see a batter substituted by a bowler when defending totals. Such changes have led to a significant shift in how the game is played, blurring the lines of traditional cricket. With such an intricate impact on the game, the rule has faced severe criticism from fans and players alike. In fact, the modern-day legend, Virat Kohli along with RCB pacer Mohammed Siraj also spoke against the Impact player rule.

Is the Impact Player Rule to continue in IPL 2025?

The rule’s controversial nature led to calls for its removal. Several players, including Virat Kohli and Mohammed Siraj, criticized it during IPL 2024, claiming it disproportionately favours the batting side. With such prominent voices against it, the BCCI, earlier this year, reviewed its relevance in a meeting with the respective franchise owners. However, as the board announced the rules and regulations for the IPL 2025 mega auction, it was confirmed that the rule will continue in the league for the upcoming editions.

Despite its many drawbacks, there are some redeeming factors to the Impact player rule. The criteria allow a chance for young players to join the game as it adds an extra space in the team. The rule has also added an entertainment factor, encouraging aggressive batting and high-scoring games. With an extra batter down the order, top-order players have shown greater freedom in their approach. For instance, SRH openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma dominated powerplays in IPL 2024, with Sharma striking at over 200 throughout the tournament. Performances like these not only thrilled fans but also highlighted the potential of young Indian players in the top order. From a broadcasting perspective, the added drama and higher-scoring matches significantly boosted viewer engagement and revenue.