Wasim Jaffer wants impact player rule out of IPL, says ‘This is a major concern for Indian cricket’
The Impact Player rule has received mixed reactions. Some believe it adds a much-needed strategic element, while others feel it disrupts the traditional flow of the game and devalues the importance of the playing XI.
New Delhi: Former Indian batsman Wasim Jaffer wants the impact player rule to be removed from the Indian Premier League. The 45-year-old felt that the lack of all-rounders and non-bowling batsmen is a major concern for Indian cricket.
The Impact Player rule was introduced in the 2023 IPL season. It allows teams to substitute one player during the match, adding a strategic element and potentially affecting the flow of the game.
Jaffer took to his X, formerly known as Twitter, and said this is not good for Indian cricket. Here’s the tweet:
I think IPL should remove the impact players rule as it does not encourage the all-rounders to bowl much and the lack of ARs and batters not bowling is a major concern for Indian cricket. Thoughts? #IPL2024 #iplauction2024
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 10, 2023
“I think IPL should remove the impact players rule as it does not encourage the all-rounders to bowl a lot and the lack of ARs and batters not bowling is a major concern for Indian cricket. Thoughts?” Jaffer said in his tweet.
Here are the key points about the Impact Player rule:
Replacement: Teams can nominate up to five replacement players in addition to their playing XI.
Time of day: The Impact Player can be deployed before the start of an innings, at the fall of a wicket, at the end of an over, or when a batsman retires.
Limits: The Impact Player can only be an Indian player if there are four foreign players in the starting XI.
Batting and bowling: The Impact Player can both bat and bowl the full quota of overs.
Replace player: The player replaced by the Impact Player may not bat or bowl further in the match.
Potential benefits:
Strategic flexibility: Teams can respond to the situation and playing conditions by bringing in a specialist batsman, bowler or all-rounder depending on the need.
Increased competition: The rule encourages teams to have a deeper roster with players willing to contribute.
Unpredictability: Adds a new element of surprise and tactical decision-making to the game.
Potential disadvantages:
Reduced importance of batting order: The fixed batting order becomes less relevant and may impact players’ roles and strategies.
Dishonesty towards replaced player: The replaced player loses the opportunity to contribute, which can feel unfair.
Overcomplication: The rule adds complexity to the game and may confuse viewers.