The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly eliminated the Impact Player rule from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) T20 tournament, while retaining the two-bouncer rule. The latest edition of the SMAT is set to begin on November 23 and run until December 15.
The Impact Player rule was introduced on an experimental basis during the 2022-23 season and later adopted in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Regarding the removal of this rule, Cricbuzz cited a BCCI communication that stated:
“Kindly note that the BCCI has decided to do away with the provision of ‘Impact Player’ for the ongoing season.”
Notably, the BCCI has recently confirmed that the Impact Player regulation will remain in effect for the IPL during the 2025-2027 period. In an official statement announcing the updated player regulations for the T20 league, the BCCI stated that “the Impact Player Regulation will continue for the 2025 to 2027 cycle.”
Although the BCCI has chosen to eliminate the Impact Player rule in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the two-bouncer rule will remain in place. This rule was introduced in the T20 competition last season and was later adopted by the IPL. According to the playing conditions, “a bowler shall be limited to two fast short-pitched deliveries per over.”
Interestingly, the two-bouncer rule is specific to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations allow only one bouncer per over.
IPL chairman Arun Dhumal recently expressed his support for the Impact Player rule
While there has been considerable debate regarding the Impact Player rule in the IPL, league chairman Arun Dhumal has endorsed the regulation. In an interview last month, he dismissed claims that the rule is harmful to all-rounders. Speaking to The Indian Express, he stated:
“Impact players have added value to the tournament. If you see the last season, the scores we had were phenomenal compared to the previous season. The idea is to give a platform to an additional batter or a bowler, so that they can perform with their skillset.”
“One argument was the all-rounders are missing out. But if you look at it closely, all the top class all-rounders were never left out. Be it Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) or (Sunil) Narine, be it anyone. If an all-rounder wants to find a place, he has to raise the bar as an all-rounder,” Dhumal added.
#TATAIPL 2023 had a number of impactful performances 😎🔝
But do you remember who was the first impact player ever 🤔 pic.twitter.com/7aMtxWkN5q
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 5, 2024
In the meantime, a mega auction is scheduled to take place before IPL 2025. According to the updated rules, each franchise is allowed to retain six players, including a maximum of five capped players and up to two uncapped players.
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