The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) currently mulls over reviewing two vital playing conditions ahead of IPL 2025. India’s cricket governing body currently looks set to review the two-bouncer and Impact Player rules before next season’s auction. Both clauses were in effect throughout the last few seasons, and fans expect an official BCCI decision before 2025.
What is the BCCI Deciding on the Two-Bouncer and Impact Player Rules?
An official of a state unit spoke concerning the BCCI’s review efforts for both rules:
“We understand that Impact Player and two bouncer rules are the key points and no decision has been taken. The decision on whether to include these rules in the SMAT [Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy] will impact their continuation in the IPL,” the official said.
Zaheer Khan Speaks on the Impact Player Rule
Popular cricketer commentator Zaheer Khan spoke on the current debate over retaining or abolishing the Impact Player rule:
“There has been a debate around the impact sub rule. I’m going on record to say that I’m all for it. It has definitely given opportunities to a lot of uncapped Indian talents. It is something you will see in the mega auction when teams will be looking at them.” Khan said.
Khan also commented on the usefulness of an Impact Player ahead of the BCCI’s decision:
“As far as all-rounders are concerned, right now there is no space for a half all-rounder because of the impact sub. But if you are a genuine all-rounder, no one can stop you. There is always going to be a value addition with the ability with bat and ball,” Mr. Khan added.
Is the BCCI Taking Too Long to Decide Ahead of IPL 2025?
There is an apparent delay from the BCCI to decide on retaining or abolishing both rules. However, decisions from India’s cricket governing body must undergo several reviews before the official position is made public.
The BCCI held a meeting with franchise owners after IPL 2024; however, no concrete resolution was reached. It is evident that the BCCI could take more time to decide on rules to add or abolish from next season.
What Do the Franchises Want Ahead of IPL 2025?
IPL franchises have not made their position on the two-bouncer and Impact Player rules public. However, these franchises seek separate changes to certain rules ahead of IPL 2025, particularly around player retention and auctions. Let’s see some of the main requests made by IPL franchises ahead of next season:
More retentions
IPL franchises can only retain 3 cricketers based on current rules, but the owners seem to want more. A recent meeting with the BCCI saw several franchise owners suggest the increase of retentions to within 5 and 6 players.
Having more retentions will give IPL franchises a better chance to hold on to key players ahead of next season. However, such a change will not favour cricketers seeking to leave a franchise. Franchises keen on securing services of specific marquee players may also face such challenges with this rule.
Abolition of the RTM card option
The Right to Match (RTM) card has been a lifesaver for several IPL franchises at auction. A retaining franchise can choose to match the final bid price for their player with this card to keep their star man. However, many IPL franchises seek an end to this option. Ending the RTM option will see more marquee players switch franchises after each IPL season.
Re-introduction of the uncapped player option
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) seeks a return of the uncapped player rule if retentions do not increase before IPL 2025. CSK’s sole request aims to keep veteran cricketer MS Dhoni within their ranks next season. The 43-year-old Dhoni looks set to fall down the retention pecking order with players like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Matheesh Pathirana ahead of him.
Rohit Sharma and David Miller Against the Impact Player Rule
Veteran T20 cricketers like David Miller and Rohit Sharma expressed their public disapproval of the Impact Player rule in recent months. Both players believe the rule should not be a part of subsequent IPL seasons.
Rohit Sharma believes that the rule has no use in international cricket and shouldn’t be included in franchise-level games. He also says the inclusion of such a rule falls short of adequate justification across IPL games. David Miller shares a similar opinion with Rohit and believes IPL cricket should be free from impact sub rules.
