The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will introduce the ‘Impact Player’ regulation in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy starting October 11, and is likely to be implemented in the next edition of the Indian Premier League as well.

According to the rule, teams can replace one member of their playing XI during a match, if they think it will be useful. In order for teams and players to get used to the new rule, the board will try it first in state cricket.

As per the board, the concept of an Impact Player will allow one substitute per team to take a more active part in a match. This would add a new tactical and strategic dimension to the game.

“Teams need to identify playing XI and 4 substitutes at the time of the toss. Out of the 4 substitutes named in the team sheet, only one of the players can be used as an Impact player,” the BCCI circular stated.

In the Big Bash League in Australia, an ‘X-Factor Player’, named as either the 12th or 13th player on the team sheet, can come into the game beyond the 10th over of the first innings and replace any player who is yet to bat, or has bowled no more than one over. A replacement player can bowl a maximum allotment of four overs, even if the player they’ve replaced has bowled.

The use of the Impact Player is not mandatory and it is up to the teams whether they want to use one. An Impact Player can be introduced any time before the completion of the 14th over of either innings.

The captain, head coach and team manager will have to notify the on-field officials or the fourth umpire about the introduction of the Impact Player. “Player who is replaced by an Impact Player can no longer take part in the remainder of the match and is also not permitted to return as a substitute fielder. If a player gets injured while fielding in mid over, the current playing condition prevails under 24.1 – substitute fielders,” the circular adds.

An injured player can no longer take part in the match if the team introduces an Impact Player to replace him. Otherwise, an Impact Player can only be introduced after the completion of an over. However, in case an Impact Player is used by a team, and an injury occurs, the same rule will apply as they currently do under the playing conditions. For the batting team, the Impact player can be introduced at the fall of a wicket or during the innings break. The team has to notify the fourth umpire in this regard.A bowling team can introduce its Impact Player either at the end of an over or if a fielder gets injured mid-over.

Tags :IPL 2023Syed Mushtaq Ali TrophyIMPACT PLAYER’ concept