Before the 16th season of Indian Premier League (IPL), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced the impact rule which can become a make or break factor in any given fixture. The new rule will increase the role of think tank of all the franchises’ as they will have to name four players before the match that can be introduced as the impact player.
What is the overseas twist?
Each team can still play only four overseas players in the match including the impact player. In simple words, if a team intends to introduce an overseas player as an impact player then they have to include only three overseas players in the original playing XI. However, a captain can name as many multiple overseas players in the list of four players as only one of them will take part in the game.
At what time an impact player can be introduced?
A captain can introduce an impact player before the start of the innings, at the end of an over, when a wicket falls or a batter retires. However, for a fielding captain, the bowler (impact player) can be introduced after the end of an over. The impact player can bowl the full quota of four overs. For a batting team, an impact player can come in to bat after a wicket or when a batter retires.
Extended batting lineup or same?
No, the maximum number of batters in an innings will still remain 11. One of the players from the original playing XI (presumably a bowler) will not come out to bat.
Do the rules remain same for rain-curtailed game?
If rain plays spoilsport and the number of overs are reduced in a game, the rules remain the same. For example, in a 10 overs per side game, an impact player can still come out to bat at any situation of the game or the bowler can bowl the maximum quota allowed.
Is impact player necessary?
No, a team can opt not to introduce an impact player if they don’t feel the need to make changes.
What happens to the substituted player?
The replaced player who made way for the impact player will take no further part in the game, not even as a fielder.
What if impact player gets injured?
If an impact player gets injured during fielding, a substitute fielder can come in at his place if the umpires are satisfied. However, the player he replaced will not have the option to come on as the substitute fielder.
