The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to abolish the Impact Player rule for the upcoming season of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), India’s premier domestic T20 competition. This move comes after the rule was initially introduced in SMAT a couple of years ago and was later adopted in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite its removal from domestic T20 cricket, the BCCI has chosen to keep the rule in place for the IPL until 2027.
The Impact Player rule has sparked debate since its inception, with this year’s IPL seeing record-breaking totals of over 250 runs, prompting questions about the rule’s influence on the game. One of the most vocal critics was India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, who expressed concerns that the rule could hinder the development of all-rounders. “Cricket is a game for 11 players, not 12. I’m not a big fan of the Impact Player. It takes away a lot from the game just for the sake of entertainment,” Sharma said during an appearance on the Club Prairie Podcast.
Despite such criticism, many IPL franchises have voiced their support for retaining the Impact Player rule, citing its tactical benefits.
Meanwhile, the decision to scrap the rule from SMAT has been well-received within the domestic cricket community. Saurashtra head coach Niraj Odedra praised the BCCI’s move, noting that it aligns with the regulations of international tournaments, which do not feature the Impact Player concept. “This is a positive change. Since ICC tournaments do not have this rule, it will help domestic players better prepare for international cricket,” Odedra remarked.
The BCCI’s decision highlights a shift in how the rule will be applied in different formats of Indian cricket, with the Impact Player continuing in the IPL while being removed from domestic T20 competitions like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
