![IPL to persist with the impact player rule [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1793855455860_MSDhoniViratKohli.jpg?type=hq)
IPL to persist with the impact player rule [Source: AFP]
In a significant update ahead of the IPL 2027 auction, the BCCI and IPL governing franchise, following their recent disucussions with the franchises have decided on the future of the impact player rule. The infamous rule has received a lot of criticism in recent times and was also tipped to be scrapped moving ahead.
With just over a week left for the player retention deadline before the subsequent mini auction, the final decision on the rule seems imminent and barring any last minute change, not much is expected to change.
IPL official issues update on Impact Player Rule
The Impact Player Rule was first introduced in IPL 2023 served as a unique tactical tool for the captains and coaches to use an extra player in the matches. It was previously tested during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, but interestingly was subsequently discontinued from domestic cricket too.
Citing the criticism and removal from the domestic competitions, BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia called for a meeting between IPL stakeholders and owners in October. The future of the rule was one of the agendas of the meeting for the landmark 20th year of the league as well.
As things stand, the rule is likely to stay for at least a year, with as many as four franchises have showed discontent with a potential withdrawal of the rule, according to the Hindustan Times.
"The next edition will be the last before a mega auction cycle and a rule change now would be too late for the teams. It's unlikely there would be any change. At least four teams had informed IPL that withdrawal of the rule this late would hamper their strategy significantly," said an IPL official, as quoted by the Hindustan Times.
What is the criticism for Impact Player Rule?
Since the introduction of the rule, the luxury of having a proper batter till number 8 has seen teams going all guns blazing from ball 1, without any fear of consequences. This has led to berserk scoring rates in the last four seasons. From 2023, the scoring rate has gone to 9.51 runs per over from 8.33 in the four years before it.
Additionally, the role of a proper allrounder has diminished from the IPL, leading to the hampered development of some players of Hardik Pandya's role. Players like Shivam Dube and Venkatesh Iyer have faced the brunt of it, which is why the fans and former players have been against the rule for a while.
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