BCCI to review Impact Player rule post IPL 2024 and T20 World Cup: Jay Shah

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has indicated that the contentious 'Impact Player' rule, currently under scrutiny during the ongoing IPL season, might be reconsidered. This rule has led to teams surpassing the 250-run mark on eight occasions so far, significantly affecting the dynamics of the game, especially for bowlers. As a result, there has been widespread debate among players, coaches, and cricket experts about its implications.

During a media interaction at the BCCI office, Shah mentioned that the rule was initially introduced on a trial basis. "Impact player rule was brought in as a test case. On the bright side, it is providing additional playing opportunities to two Indian players," he stated, highlighting the positive aspects of the rule which includes enhancing competitiveness and offering more Indians a chance to play.

Despite the opportunities it creates, the rule has not been universally welcomed. India's captain, Rohit Sharma, has pointed out that it disadvantages all-rounders by limiting their opportunities to bowl. Shah responded to these concerns by reaffirming the BCCI's openness to stakeholder feedback: "But still, if the players feel that this is not alright we will speak on it. However, no one has said anything about it yet. After the IPL and the World Cup, we will have a meeting and decide," Shah explained.

He further added, "After the World Cup, we will consult with players, franchise and broadcasters and decide about the future course. It's not a permanent rule nor am I saying we will move past it," indicating that the fate of the impact player rule will be thoroughly evaluated with all stakeholders' input.

In addition to discussing the impact player rule, Shah also addressed the topic of rest for India’s T20 World Cup-bound players, who are currently participating in the IPL. He argued against the need for rest, suggesting that the IPL serves as optimal preparation for the upcoming tournament. "Why do you want to rest players? This is (as good as a) practice session, you cannot get any better opportunity (to prepare) than this," said Shah.

He elaborated on the benefits of the IPL environment, which includes a diverse range of international players. "There is a cosmopolitan team in front of you, one team has a bowler from New Zealand, the other has a bowler from Australia and the next one has a bowler from Sri Lanka," he remarked, underscoring the diverse competitive exposure players receive.

Shah concluded by emphasizing the strategic advantage gained from such exposure, particularly for bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah: “If we rest a bowler he won't get a chance to bowl at Travis Head. When (Jasprit) Bumrah will bowl to Travis Head, he will understand where to bowl to him and how. There is no better opportunity," he noted.

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(With PTI inputs)