Explained: What is Impact Player Rule in IPL? How does it work & when it will be used?
The IPL is all set to introduce the Impact Player rule in the tournament from the 2023 season. The rule was recently implemented in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Mumbai, who won their maiden trophy, did use it to their advantage in crunch situations.
How does the Impact Player rule work & when it will be used?
According to the rule, each team will have to name four substitutes at the toss. Both teams can use one player from their respective substitutes as an Impact Player. The Impact Player can replace any player in the XI only before the 14th over. It is important for the captain, head coach to notify any of the umpires when taking the call.
The batting team will have the luxury to introduce an Impact Player at the fall of a wicket or during innings break. The Impact Player can bat or bowl his full quota once he has been introduced. If a player had retired hurt, the Impact Player can be used only at the end of the over in progress. Notably, only 11 players will be able to bat at the end of the day and that doesn’t change.
What happens in rain shortened games?
Rain shortened games which go below ten overs will not be subject to the rule, and if a player is substituted due to injury, they will not be permitted to take part in the remaining game. However, if an Impact Player sustains an injury in the middle of an over, the current normal fielder substitution laws will apply once the umpire is convinced. The fielder who will come in as a substitute for the Impact Player cannot bowl or captain the team.
Impact Player rule in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
Delhi was the first team to use the Impact Player rule in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Delhi implimented the new rule against Manipur in Jaipur. Hrithik Shokeen became the first Impact Player as he replaced opener Hiten Dalal, who scored a quickfire knock at the top of the order for Delhi. Shokeen, meanwhile, finished with 2 for 13 in his three overs to hand Delhi a comfortable victory.
