The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a bold decision regarding the Impact Player rule. They have taken the decision to remove the Impact Player rule from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT).
The Impact Player rule was first introduced in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2022 on an experimental basis. According to the rule, teams could add a substitute player to the playing eleven at any time during the match. Following the success of the Impact Player rule in the SMAT, the BCCI introduced the rule in the Indian Premier League.
Impact player rule abolished in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as BCCI takes big decision
Meanwhile, on Monday, October 14, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that the Impact Player rule would be removed from the upcoming season of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
In a message to state associations, the Board of Control for Cricket in India stated (as cited by Cricbuzz): “Please note that the Board of Control for Cricket in India has decided to remove the ‘Impact Player’ provision for the current season.”
The upcoming season of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is scheduled to begin on November 23 and the final will be held on December 15.
Notably, the BCCI removed the rule from the domestic T20 tournament, but kept it in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and it will be used in the 2025 season of the premier league.
Impact Player to stay in IPL until 2027
The Board of Control for Cricket in India recently published the IPL Player Regulations for the 2025-2027 season after discussions with the owners of all 10 Indian Premier League franchises and decided to continue the Impact Player rule in the competition at least until 2027.
Several top players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have criticized the rule and franchise officials have said that the rule hampers the growth of all-rounders.
Still, the Board of Control for Cricket in India decided to maintain the rule. Some reports claim that the governing body was forced not to abolish the rule due to pressure from broadcasters as IPL matches have become quite intense and high-scoring since its introduction.
Notably, nine of the ten highest totals in IPL history have been recorded since the introduction of the Impact Player rule.
Two bouncer rule to remain in Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy
In another major development, the two-rebounder rule will continue in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after being introduced last season, according to Cricbuzz. The relevant clause in the playing conditions states: “41.6.2 A bowler shall be limited to two short fast deliveries per over.”
This two jumper rule is in force in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Indian Premier League, but the International Cricket Council is yet to make this rule applicable in international T20s as only one jumper is allowed per over.