In order to make domestic cricket more attractive, BCCI is set to introduce an 'Impact Player' in India's domestic T20 tournament, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy this season.
According to media reports, the rule has been brought in keeping in mind the tactical changes allowed in other team sports like football, rugby, basketball and baseball. It's somewhat similar to the 'X-factor' concept that was tried in the Big Bash League last season.
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As per the new rules, teams have to identify their Playing XI and 4 substitutes at the time of the toss. Of the 4 substitutes, only one can be used as an Impact Player.
Impact Player can be introduced any time before the completion of the 14th over of either innings in a match.
But the player who is replaced by an Impact Player cannot take part in the rest of the match.
At the moment, the Indian cricket board just wants to try the concept in the domestic T20 tournament. However, if the 'Impact Player' innovation works well in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy then BCCI might introduce the same in its marquee tournament like the Indian Premier League.
Previously, ICC had experimented with the Super Sub in ODI cricket in 2005 but that experiment failed and the rule was scrapped within a year.