BCCI takes major decision on Impact Player rule

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to remove the Impact Player rule from the upcoming domestic T20 tournament, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT).

The Impact Player rule was originally introduced in the SMAT 2022/23. Later, this rule was introduced in the IPL 2023. 

Recently, the BCCI claimed that the Impact Player rule will continue in the IPL 2025. However, the BCCI has decided to remove it from the SMAT.

No more Impact Player in SMAT

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024/25 will begin on November 23. This tournament will run till December 15. 

According to the Cricbuzz, the BCCI official statement claimed, "Kindly note that the BCCI has decided to do away with the provision of 'Impact Player' for the ongoing season."

Many teams, captains, and coaches don’t like the Impact Player rule idea. Also, some experts have felt that this rule demoralises the all-rounder roles, as some teams were utilising it for the specialist players in batting and bowling. 

As the BCCI has decided to remove the Impact Player rule from the SMAT, we can expect the same fate in the future IPL.

Two-bouncer rule staying in SMAT

However, the two-bouncer rules stay in the SMAT. This rule was introduced in the last SMAT and IPL seasons as the bowlers can deliver two bouncers in an over, unlike the one-bouncer rule in global T20 cricket. 

Unlike the Impact Player rule, many cricketers and experts have supported the two-bouncer rule in an over in T20 cricket. So, it is not a shocker that the BCCI has continued this rule in the SMAT.

Talking about Indian domestic cricket, the Ranji Trophy season has just started now. Between November 23 and December 15, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy will run. Between December 21, 2024, and January 18, 2025, the List A tournament Vijay Hazare Trophy will run.