There is a split opinion on the IPL Impact Player rule; some people support it, while others, like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, are against the inclusion of a 12th player in the IPL.
Back in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, BCCI introduced a new rule in the form of the ‘Impact Player/Substitution’. This not only converted the game of 11 players to 12 but added a brand new dynamism. Fast-forward two years, the rule came under huge scrutiny for hindering the development of all-rounders. However, the BCCI, who came up with a host of changes on IPL retention and much more, decided to continue with the Impact Player rule.
On the backdrop of this, IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal has given insights on the matter and has revealed that the Impact Player rule has added value to the IPL. Unlike the criticism, Dhumal expressed that no world-class all-rounder was missing out in the league and instead the multi-faceted players need to ‘raise the bar’ in order to find a place in the starting XI.
“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,” said Arun Dhumal to the IndianExpress.
Impact Player rule in IPL: Good or bad?
Why is the Impact Player rule in IPL hotly debated? Why are some in favour of it, while others want this tweak to discontinue? Well, it is simply because of the rule’s duology of effects. While it certainly offers something new and leaves some open-ended areas to get fulfilled with innovations, the Impact Player rule is also affecting in hampering to nurture all-rounders. If India want next Hardik Pandya, then this might not be worthy enough to continue. It has led to huge totals, bowlers getting smashed to all around the park, but has also forced teams to think outside the box.
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