Former Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has ignited a fresh debate over the impact player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite growing discontent and calls for its scrapping, Chopra has bravely defended the impact player rule, stating that this rule will remain in the IPL and that it actually benefits the game.
The cricket expert predicted that the impact player rule will return in the upcoming IPL 2025 despite harsh criticism, and he personally believes that this rule is useful in many ways. Chopra maintains that the impact player rule addresses a critical issue in India – the lack of true all-rounders.
Aakash Chopra defends Impact Player rule amid criticism; predicts this rule will remain in IPL
Chopra says that while some critics believe the rule diminishes the quality of all-rounders, it actually encourages more balanced matches and provides opportunities for more Indian players in the IPL. Chopra points out that the rule ensures that teams do not rely on mediocre all-rounders in the tournament.
The commentator also emphasises that the impact player rule has led to more competitive matches and increased the number of Indian players who get a chance to shine on the big stage of the IPL. While some see this rule as problematic for the future, Chopra described it as a step forward and insisted that true all-rounders will always excel regardless of the rule.
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel, “Who knows if the impact player rule will come back or not. I think the impact player rule will stay. I don’t think this rule is going to go away. A lot of people say this rule is wrong, but I personally think it’s the right thing to do.”
Chopra further explained that fans and many cricketers are worried about where the all-rounders will come from if the rule remains in the IPL, but there are 10 IPL teams and the fifth player is Indian, so 10 more players will get a chance.
Anyone can be an all-rounder, but he is not the real all-rounder: Aakash Chopra
The former Indian batsman mentioned that even the Indian cricket team is playing with an extra all-rounder but if there is a mediocre all-rounder then they are lowering their standard and might get an illusory all-rounder.
Chopra added: “Venkatesh Iyer may be the all-rounder. Shivam Dube, Riyan Parag and even Rinku Singh may be the all-rounders. Anyone can be an all-rounder, but they are not the real all-rounders. So how does that help? Because when you come to international cricket, then it is not going to happen.
“Real all-rounders do what they want because they have that ability and that is what you want. Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel. They are all real all-rounders who bowl four overs and bat as well. If you are in that category, then it is fine.”
Chopra also said that IPL teams should be allowed to retain their core squad irrespective of the number of players, just like football clubs do. He added that the BCCI should change this rule, but he is aware that this is not going to happen. He also believes that the IPL mega auction should be held every five years.