BCCI is coming up with a new 'Impact Player' rule, may be applicable in IPL after SMAT

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is all set to introduce a new rule 'Impact Player' in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, starting October 11. It is also likely to be implemented in the Indian Premier League 2023 (IPL 2023). According to the new rule, teams can change their playing XI during the match. This already happens in sports like football, rugby, and basketball. To make the teams and players get used to the new rule, the board will first try it in state cricket.

The BCCI has sent a circular to all the states, which states, "With the ever-growing popularity of T20 cricket, it is imperative that we look at introducing new dimensions which will make this format more attractive and interesting not only for our viewers but also the participating teams from a strategic viewpoint,"

This rule is also applicable in the Australian tournament Big Bash League (BBL) in the name of 'X Factor'. Under this 'X Factor' rule, 13 players will play instead of 15. This means every team can use the 12th or 13th player in the playing-11 before the 10th over of the first innings. During this, he can be replaced by players who do not bat or bowl more than one over.

All you need to know about the 'Impact Player' rule:

The injured player will not be able to take part in the match if the team uses an impact player instead. Otherwise, the impact player can be brought in only after the completion of one over. If a team uses an impact player and a player is injured, the old rule will apply. The batting team may bring in an impact player when a wicket has fallen or after the innings is over. The team will have to inform the fourth umpire in this regard. After testing in domestic cricket, this 'Impact Player' rule can also be implemented in next year's IPL 2023 season.

According to the rule, the team (captain) has to tell playing-11 at the time of toss. Along with the names of 4 other players will also have to be given as substitutes. Any one of these four players can be replaced by the player included in the playing-11 under the 'Impact Player' rule. The team will definitely have an advantage. If a bowler is included as an 'impact player', then he will only bowl his full 4 overs. The number of overs bowled or not bowled by the dismissed bowler will not affect that 'impact player'. During the match, both teams will be able to use the 'Impact Player' before the 14th over of the innings. That means, after this, the rule will not be used.