The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Apex Council has given approval for the usage of the Impact Player Rule in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy (SMAT), beginning on October 16. The rule was initially introduced in the SMAT last season, requiring its implementation before the end of the 14th over and the announcement of the player before the toss.
However, for the upcoming season, the rule will undergo a change. Similar to the Indian Premier League (IPL), teams will now be allowed to name four substitutes in addition to the playing eleven before the toss, with only one of them designated as the Impact Player.
The guidelines state, “Both teams are allowed to use one Impact Player per match. It is, however, not compulsory.” The Impact Player rule was widely utilized by the 10 IPL teams, but its introduction sparked differing opinions. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, also the head coach of Delhi Capitals, expressed his concern, suggesting that the rule almost negates the role of an all-rounder in the team. Ponting stated, “It actually almost negates the role of all-rounders in the game now.
So unless they’re absolutely world-class and they’re getting picked either as a batsman or as a bowler, not sort of a bits and pieces guy, then I don’t think you’ll see many teams this year actually use the guy that might bat at seven and maybe bowl an over or two. Because you don’t need those guys anymore.”
In addition, the BCCI Apex Council also granted approval for the participation of the men’s and women’s cricket teams in the Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Hangzhou from September to October. The men’s competition will feature a second-string Indian team, commencing on September 28, while a full-strength side will be selected for the women’s event, starting on September 19.
Cricket has been part of the Asian Games only three times in history, with the last occurrence in Incheon in 2014, where India did not participate. This year’s competition overlaps with a crucial period for the men’s team as India is set to host the ODI World Cup from October 5.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by the congested international schedule, the BCCI mentioned that fielding a team at the Asian Games will be a demanding task. However, they emphasized the importance of contributing to the national cause and expressed confidence in successfully managing the obstacles.
The BCCI noted, “Through effective planning, communication, and coordination, the BCCI aims to navigate those challenges successfully and contribute to the national cause by fielding a team in both the men’s and women’s categories in line with the Government of India’s directions.”
India is expected to be a favorite to win the gold medal in both the men’s and women’s categories at the Asian Games.
