The Indian Premier League (IPL) introduced the impact player rule in 2023. Known for being the most thrilling T20 event, this tournament added more spice with the impact player rule. Right before the toss, the captain has to finalize four players outside the playing eleven that can act as substitutes. One of these four players becomes the impact player and is substituted by one of the members of playing eleven only once in the match.
The substitution of this player can only occur at pre-specified times. It can take place either before the start of an innings, at the end of over, at the fall of a wicket, or when a batter retires. A team is not allowed to bring in an impact player in the middle of an over. Additionally, the member of the playing eleven who is replaced by the impact player can no longer be a part of the match.
One of the basic rules of IPL is to not have more than four overseas player in the playing eleven. This rule must be obeyed throughout the match. Thus, when an overseas player needs to be swapped by an impact player, then the impact player must also be an international player. This rule shall not be applicable only if the original playing eleven had less than four overseas players.
A team can choose to not use the impact player rule. If a match is reduced to 10 overs or less, then the impact player rule cannot be used by any team. The impact player cannot captain the side when brought in. If the impact player is a bowler, then they can complete their full quota of four overs. If the impact player is a batter, they can bat at any position irrespective of the position of the player who was swapped.
In a circumstance where the impact player gets injured, then the umpire’s consent can be taken to replace the injured impact player with another substitute. But, this substituted player cannot bat or bowl.
The impact player rule has yielded great results ever since its introduction and has been a sought-after feature of the event.
