The Indian Premier League has never been shy about making changes and keeping its game format so exciting for its fans. One more drastic change has been noticed since the 2023 IPL season, which is bringing the Impact Player into the game. But fans are confused about what is Impact Player in IPL? What are the rules for the new Impact Player? Don’t worry, we are here to answer all your confusion. In the IPL tournament, an Impact Player rule adds an extra layer of strategy and keeps the team captain on their toes. For those fans who bet on the IPL players, it is very important to understand this rule. As the Impact player can shift the match momentum very easily. So, through this article, you will know more about what is Impact Player in IPL, what the Impact Player rule is, and what its restrictions are. So, let’s get started.
What is Impact Player in IPL?
The basic concept of the impact player in IPL starts from allowing one substitute member, or you can say an extra member per team, to play their active part in matches with the bat and ball. Each team has to select the 5 substitute members before the game starts, and during the match, the team can bring one of them as an impact player. The idea behind this is to make the game more flexible. For example, a team can replace its bowler with a batter if they are chasing a big score, or bring in a specialist bowler while defending the total score against the opponent team.
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Impact Player Rules
In an Impact Player rule, after the toss, the two teams were given the chance to pick up the 5 members from their squad, out of which one member will become the Impact player. The Impact player can come during any natural breaks of the matches.
Activation of This Rule:
During the match, the captain can bring one of the selected impact players at a specific point of the match. It can be the start of the innings, between the overs, when the wicket falls, or even if the batter retires. But the bowling side only brings the impact player after the wicket falls or when the batter is retiring in the middle of the over; the incoming impact player cannot bowl the remaining bowls of the over.
Restriction of this Rule:
Only one impact player can be used per team in a match. And make sure that 11 players can take part in the match, including the impact player.
Key points:
This rule adds a new twist to the game. Now, teams can respond to the match situations, maybe bringing the bowler when the team needs the quick wicket of their opponents, or a quick power-hitter if the team is chasing a big target.
Why Was This Rule Introduced?
The Impact Player rule was introduced by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) in the 2023 IPL. The association has several goals in mind while introducing the Impact Player rule. First, they wanted to make the IPL match more engaging by allowing the teams to adjust their strategy in the middle of the match. As we all know, the T20 tournament is already a game of quick decisions and split-second reactions and this rule enhances the impact dramatically.
This rule allows the rotation and involvement of the players according to their capabilities. Through the Impact player rule, the margin players get the chance to prove their abilities on the big stage. This rule also adds an element of suspense, as fans are eager to see who was chosen as an impact player & how they will perform.
Various Batting and Bowling Conditions for the Impact Player
When an impact player is introduced, it inherits some conditions, including batting and bowling. Those conditions are mentioned below:
- If a team introduces an impact bowler, then they can bowl up to 4 overs, even if the captain replaces someone who has already bowled.
- An Impact batter can be introduced in the batting order at any point in the match, depending on the game’s situation.
- Once an Impact player is swapped out of the game, they cannot return to the game, even as the fielder.
- Only one Impact player per match is allowed. Not more than that.
More Restrictions on the Impact Player:
Despite being a flexible rule, the Impact Player rule in the IPL has some clear boundaries. These restrictions are important because they stop teams from misusing the rule and keep the competition fair. In other words, it strikes the right balance between innovation and integrity.
1. Overseas Player Restriction
In the IPL, only four overseas players are allowed in the playing XI. So, if a team has already included four foreigners at the start of the match, the Impact Player must be an Indian.
This ensures that no team can bend the rule to sneak in an extra overseas star. At the same time, it gives more Indian players the chance to shine on the big stage.
2. Pre-Declared Substitute List
Before the first ball is bowled, each team has to submit a list of five substitutes. The Impact Player can only be picked from this list. Even if there’s an injury or sudden change of plan, a team can’t call in someone from outside this list.
This keeps things fair for both sides and forces captains and coaches to think carefully about strategy right from the start.
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FAQs:
1. What is Impact Player in IPL?
Impact Player in IPL refers to the substitute player who plays their active part in the matches as a batter or bowler.
2. What is the Impact Player rule in IPL?
The impact player rule in IPL allows teams to substitute one player from a pre-named list of five players selected during a match.
3. Is Dhoni an impact player?
No, Dhoni is not an impact player. He is the captain of the Chennai Super Kings IPL team.
4. How does an impact player benefit the team?
Impact players help to step up the match. They help to take the match to the finish line. While others attempt to minimise change, Impact Players learn and adapt to change.
