The controversial 'Impact Player' rule in IPL 2024 is up for debate. Introduced as a 'test case', BCCI Secretary Jay Shah confirms it can be reviewed based on stakeholder feedback. This rule has undeniably affected the tournament, with teams surpassing 250 runs eight times already. The bowling community, including players, coaches, and analysts, feels it disadvantages them by allowing extended batting lineups. Even India captain Rohit Sharma expressed concern, suggesting it limits all-rounders' bowling chances. The Impact Player rule permits two additional Indian players to be included in an IPL team's XI.
"Impact player rule was brought in as a test case. On the bright side, it is providing additional playing opportunities to two Indian players. Isn't it important that two Indian players are getting a chance? The game is also becoming more competitive," he said in an interaction with select media at the BCCI office.
Shah indicated that a meeting of all stakeholders would be held after the T20 World Cup to determine the future of the rule.
"But still, if the players feel that this is not alright we will speak on it. However, no one has said anything about it yet. After the IPL and the World Cup, we will have a meeting and decide. After the World Cup, we will consult with players, franchise and broadcasters and decide about the future course. It's not a permanent rule nor am I saying we will move past it," Shah added.
Jay Shah believes the ongoing IPL serves as the perfect preparation for India's T20 World Cup players, eliminating the need for additional rest.
"Why do you want to rest players? This is (as good as a) practice session, you cannot get any better opportunity (to prepare) than this," Shah further stated.
"There is a cosmopolitan team in front of you, one team has a bowler from New Zealand, the other has a bowler from Australia and the next one has a bowler from Sri Lanka," he added.
According to Shah, the IPL provides an invaluable opportunity for bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah to face off against in-form batsmen like Travis Head in a competitive environment, giving them a head start on World Cup preparation.
"If we rest a bowler he won't get a chance to bowl at Travis Head. When (Jasprit) Bumrah will bowl to Travis Head, he will understand where to bowl to him and how. There is no better opportunity," Shah concluded.
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