New Zealand’s pace-bowling all-rounder Kyle Jamieson has joined the bandwagon against the controversial ‘impact player rule’ in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Jamieson feels that the extra player takes the skill out of the game. The statement comes as the Kiwi pacer finds it tough to break into the playing twelve of the Delhi Capitals (DC) franchise.
"Personally, I'm not a fan of it. I think it takes a lot of the skill out of the game," Jamieson was quoted as saying by PTI ahead of DC’s clash against Gujarat Titans (GT).
"I think if you can bat 9 or 10, you don't have to have the same sort of batsmanship that you probably once had to have," he added.
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Jamieson believes that all-rounders have been the most affected by the rule in the IPL which is not common in other leagues around the world.
"I think there's something to be said around, especially all-rounders, guys that can bowl and bat and offer balance to a team that way. And it does take a little bit of that skill out of the game," the 31-year-old said.
"You don't see too many other places around the world or international cricket that have the Impact Player rule. It's probably for a good reason," he pointed out.
Jamieson on not getting a match
Jamieson was picked by DC for his base price of Rs 2 crore in the accelerated part of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Despite DC missing two overseas players, – Mitchell Starc (injured), Ben Duckett (pulled out) – he is yet to get a game. But, he understands the current team combination and wishes the contribute to DC’s success behind teh scenes till he gets a chance.
"Obviously, you want to play. Everyone here wants to be able to find a way to contribute to this team winning games,” Jamieson admitted.
"But equally, you're very aware that only four overseas players can play. There's class from one through to 20-odd and for me personally, there's no better place to be in terms of getting better as a cricketer than the IPL.
"So, it's not like you need to play to get benefit from it. There's still ways of contributing through trainings, through meetings, through helping around the boundary.
"For me, it's just kind of the best place to be in terms of just growing your game, whether that's on the park or off it,” he further added.
DC have won their first two games this season. They will face Shubman Gill’s GT on April 8 at home.