The IPL 2023 will see the addition of a new rule – Impact Player rule. The BCCI has decided to introduce this new rule as it believes this will add a new tactical, strategic dimension to the game.
A number of team sports in the world like football, rugby, basketball, and baseball allow teams to make tactical substitutions where the substitute is allowed to perform or participate like any other regular player.
This rule will offer teams a great deal of tactical flexibility that the management can use to strengthen their team performance by making changes based on the situation and the opposition. The BCCI first tried this Impact Player rule in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and after getting a positive feedback, gave its nod to go ahead with this rule in the IPL 2023.
What is Impact Player rule in IPL 2023?
In addition to the playing XI, a team will have to list 4 substitutes at the toss. They can use any one of the four subs as their Impact Player.
The Impact Player plays as a regular player and can bat, field, and bowl his full quota of overs. The replaced player will take no further part in the match.
Can an overseas player be used as Impact Player in IPL 2023?
If a team starts with 4 overseas players in the XI, then an overseas player can’t be brought in as Impact Player. But, if a team picks 3 or fewer overseas players in their XI, then an overseas player can replace an Indian player as Impact Player.
This is to adhere to the rule of maximum of 4 overseas players for a team per game, something the IPL has followed since its inception.
When can the Impact Player be used in IPL 2023?
An Impact Player can be used at any time in the match, but there are some conditions.
A captain can nominate the team’s Impact Player and bring them in before the start of the second innings of the match; at the end of an over; at the fall of a wicket or when a batter retires.
However, if the bowling side brings in an Impact Player during an over – that is at the fall of a wicket or if a batter retires – then that particular player will not be allowed to bowl the remaining balls of the over.
Can the Impact Player bat?
Yes, the Impact Player plays as another regular player with all allowances, however, a team can only have 11 players batting.
So if the batting team’s Impact Player is a batsman who replaces a batsman who has been dismissed/retired, then one of the players yet to come in – mostly a bowler – will not bat.
