Home
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy which is India's premier domestic T20 competition will see a major rule change in the upcoming edition. In the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) Apex Council meeting, it was decided that the Indian Premier League (IPL) version of impact player rule will be adopted.
In last season of SMAT, the impact player rule was introduced. However, the impact player was introduced only after the end of 14th over whether it was in during batting or while fielding. Also, the substitute had to be named before the toss.
In the 2023 edition of IPL, four substitute players were named after the coin toss. The captain could choose any of the four substitutes as the impact player. While the rule irked many as they felt it would negate the need for all-rounders, Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting welcomed it.
"It actually almost negates the role of all-rounders in the game now. So unless they're absolutely world-class and they're getting picked either as a batsman or as a bowler, not sort of a bits and pieces guy, then I don't think you'll see many, many teams this year actually use the guy that might bat at seven and maybe bowling over or two. Because you don't need those guys anymore," former Australian captain Ponting had said.
Indian cricket teams to participate in Asian Games
BCCI also approved the participation for men's and women's teams for Asian Games 2023 that will be held in September-October in Hangzhou. However, a second-string Indian team will go for the Asian Games as the main squad will be busy preparing for the World Cup 2023.
The same is not the case with women's team as a full strength squad will represent India. The last time Indian cricket team participated in Asian Games was in 2014.
"Through effective planning, communication and co-ordination, the BCCI aims to navigate those challenges successfully and contribute to the national cause by fielding a team in both men's and women's category in line with the Government of India's directions," the board said.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Watch: Mitchell Marsh's century kick-starts major party in Bali with brother Shaun and father Geoff reveling in all-rounder's magnificent knock
MS Dhoni Birthday: Ravindra Jadeja, Suresh Raina pen emotional post for former India captain
