Before the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) might rethink the two-bouncer rule. This rule had been used on a trial basis within India’s domestic T20 before it found its way into 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL).
The second bouncer, which could be used against flat pitches and short boundaries with an extra batsman due to an impact player rule, was welcomed by bowlers. It must be emphasized that only one bouncer per over is allowed in international cricket.
This off-season has already demonstrated a comprehensive understanding regarding impact player rule including; opinions expressed by broadcasters and franchises as well as players. It is yet unclear if both impact player and two bouncers will remain in practice during Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy which would determine whether they feature in IPL or not.
“We understand that Impact Player and two bouncer rules are the key points and no decision has been taken,” an official of a state unit told Cricbuzz.
SMAT 2025 edition is set to take place between November 23 and December 15.
The BCCI has not yet released the playing conditions for SMAT due to ongoing issues with the impact player and bouncer rules
BCCI still fluctuate playing rules regarding two bouncers and impact player. Under domestic season playing conditions were circulated to tournaments but SMAT was not included in this particular notice.
According to the communication shared with the state units by the Board was a note that read, “Men’s T20 Playing Conditions will be shared shortly.”
In its inaugural season of implementation, the two bouncers provision had no significant impact since it was among others offset by conditions and batter’s intent driven on by luxury of the impact player.
Despite a record-breaking season with unprecedented scores, fans and commentators questioned about other things including question of how all-rounders are inhibited to some extent due to the use of this player.
“Impact Player is like a test case. We have implemented it slowly. The biggest advantage of it is that two Indian players are getting a chance [in each game], which is the most important,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah had said recently.
By early September, BCCI are expected to come out with their final decision concerning playing conditions and retention rules.
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