The much-debated Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League is set to be reviewed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India after the 2026 season ends. Responding to criticism of the rule, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said that discussions on the issue have been ongoing for the past two years.
The Impact Player Rule, or the Impact Sub rule, was introduced by the BCCI in 2023 to add excitement to the tournament. The Impact Player rule is a simple substitution that allows an IPL team to replace any player in favor of another. On the other hand, teams will either strengthen their batting or bowling units, depending on the match conditions.
IMPACT PLAYER RULES: PROBLEMS
This rule allowed teams to field essentially eight batters and then retire one of them in favor of a pitcher. With the IPL pitches getting flatter, the rule has helped teams post very high totals, tilting the bat-ball competition.
Since this rule came in, scores of 250+ have become more common. In fact, earlier this year, in a match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, DC lost the game even after scoring a mammoth total of 264 runs. Punjab Kings, with the help of the Impact Player rule, stormed their way to the total in less than 19 overs. This was the highest run chase in T20 history.
Similarly, Mumbai Indians lost their home match against SunRisers Hyderabad after the SRH side chased down the target of 244 runs in just 18.4 overs.
One of the pernicious effects of the rule was to limit the role of all-around players in the league, as it allowed teams to sub either a special hitter or a pitcher, depending on their needs during the game.
Critics of the rule say it will ultimately hurt Team India in international games where the Impact Sub rule does not exist.
BCCI SET TO REVIEW RULE
However, Saikia said IPL teams did not complain about the Impact Player rule as the season often witnessed high-scoring matches.
“There are some low-scoring matches as well. All the fans are enjoying the matches. The bowlers are also getting good wickets. Some teams are also scoring very low totals if you look at the totals and some teams are chasing 260 as well,” he said.
“It’s all happening, it’s a full bouquet in one package,” added Saikia.
Defending the rule, Saikia also said that it will be reviewed after the conclusion of this year’s IPL season, which ends on 31.
“This rule discussion is going on for the last two years. We will review it after this tournament is over and we cannot take any call in the middle of the tournament,” Saikia said.
“There is no official request that we revisit this particular Impact Player draft. I read it in the media sometimes. But if it comes from the teams, then we’ll have to make a call. But so far, no such situation has arisen,” he concluded.
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Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
02 May 2026 21:05 IST
