IPL 2025 Auction: Infamous Impact player rule stays despite facing numerous criticism

The new rules for the IPL 2025 Mega Auction has been finally laid down. Along with the new retention rules and RTM coming into play, the highly controversial Impact Player Rule too stays for IPL 2025. While this new rule has been in highly debated, it continues to make it’s stay in the Indian Premier League. The first time the Impact Sub was introduced was in IPL 2023.

For the past 2 seasons, the Impact Sub Rule hasn’t extensively been a fan favourite. In fact, certain teams have raised their eyebrows for the same, while others have whole heartedly accepted the new feature. As per the rule, any team can bring in a specialist batter or bowler as a replacement from the original Playing XI, given according to the condition of the match.

The Impact Player Rule has also been shrouded with controversies. With teams being now able to replace a player from their Playing XI and bring in a substitute as and what the game warrants, it has greatly decreased the importance of all-rounders. Interestingly, the Impact Player Rule is set to continue for the 2025-2027 cycle of the IPL.

An example for the same would be Chennai Super Kings. CSK can use all-rounder Shivam Dube only as a finisher (specialist batter) and can substitute him by bringing in another bowler when CSK bowls during the game.

“We had a chat with the franchise owners recently. The impact player rule has its pros and cons. The negative is that it makes the allrounder’s role redundant. The positive is that it creates a spot for an Indian player to showcase his talent,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah had said recently.

While the importance of all-rounders get severely reduced via this rule, on the other hand, it provides the option for an extra batter or bowler to prove their worth.