It was introduced a couple of seasons ago in 2023.
In a recent development coming in, it has been understood that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to scrap the Impact Player rule which was first introduced a couple of seasons ago in 2023.
It will not be used anymore in the upcoming season of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), the national domestic T20 competition.
The Impact Player rule was launched in the SMAT on an experimental basis and then subsequently adopted in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well.
The development of the rule getting removed was confirmed to the state associations by the BCCI through a communication earlier today (October 14) evening.
In a short communication, the BCCI said, “Kindly note that the BCCI has decided to do away with the provision of ‘Impact Player’ for the ongoing season.”
However, while this move was largely anticipated, it is a contradictory decision to BCCI’s persistence with the rule in the IPL. Recently, the BCCI had also informed all the IPL franchises that the rule will be retained for the upcoming IPL 2025 season as well.
The BCCI, however, has maintained the two-bouncer rule, which was first implemented in the SMAT last season and later adopted in the IPL too. The clause in the playing conditions states, “41.6.2 A bowler shall be limited to two fast short-pitched deliveries per over.”
This rule, allowing two bouncers per over, is unique to BCCI’s T20 matches, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) only permits one bouncer per over in global cricket.
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The Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament is set to take place nationwide and will run from November 23 to December 15.
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