Keeping up with the changing times is the most difficult challenge for anybody and everyone on this planet. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appears to be getting on board with implementing an ‘impact player’ system as part of the new substitution rule, notably in T20 events.
According to several sources, the concept would be adopted mainly in the Indian Premier League (IPL) beginning with the 2023 edition. Hence, it will first be explored in state cricket for players and teams to gain a feel for it.
The impact player system will allow teams to swap any one member of their starting Eleven during a match if they believe it will strengthen their chances of winning. The Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy will begin on October 11, and the regulation is expected to go into effect subsequently.
The BCCI Circular States That:
“Teams need to identify playing XI and 4 substitutes at the time of the toss. Out of the 4 substitutes named in the team sheet, only one of the players can be used as an Impact player.”
“Player who is replaced by an Impact Player can no longer take part in the remainder of the match and is also not permitted to return as a substitute fielder. If a player gets injured while fielding in mid-over, the current playing condition prevails under 24.1, substitute fielders.”
“After the introduction of Impact Player System in the game, a player can bat and may bowl a full allotment of 4 overs in an uninterrupted inning. In case a player gets retired hurt, Impact Player can be introduced only at the end of the over in progress and is eligible to bat. In any situation, only 11 players can bat.”
“An Impact Player may bowl a full allotment of 4 overs in an uninterrupted inning irrespective of the number of overs previously bowled by the player he is replacing. If a bowler is suspended because of any breach of law, then he cannot be replaced by the Impact Player.”
We will have to wait and watch if this innovation works out in the present world and how this idea will enhance the game of cricket.
