Board of Control for Cricket India (BCCI) has taken a bold decision regarding the Impact Player rule. They have decided to remove the effective player rule from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT).
The Impact Player rule was first introduced on an experimental basis in the 2022 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. According to the rule, teams allowed to include a substitute player in the 11 at any moment of the match. After the success of the Impact Player rule in the SMAT, the BCCI has implemented the rule in the Indian Premier League.
Impact player rule in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy scrapped as BCCI takes big decision
Meanwhile, on Monday, October 14, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that the Impact Player rule will be scrapped from the upcoming season of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
In a message to state associations, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (as quoted by Cricbuzz): “Please note that the Board of Control for Cricket in India has decided to withdraw the ‘Impact Player’ provision from the ongoing season.”
The upcoming season of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is scheduled to start on November 23 and the final will be held on December 15.
It should be noted that BCCI removed this rule from the domestic T20 tournament but kept the rule in the T20 tournament. Indian Premier League (IPL), and will be used in the marquee league’s 2025 season.
The player will remain in the IPL till 2027
The Board of Control for Cricket in India recently released the IPL Player Rules for the 2025-2027 season after discussions with the owners of all 10 Indian Premier League franchises and decided to continue the Impact Player rule in the competition until at least 2027.
A few top players like it Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Franchise officials, who criticized the rule, also said the rule hindered overall growth.
However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India decided to retain the rule. Some reports claim that the governing body was forced not to lift the rule due to pressure from broadcasters as IPL matches have been quite high-scoring and intense since its introduction.
Notably, nine of the ten highest totals in IPL history have been recorded since the introduction of the Impact Player rule.
Two bounces rule to stay in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
In another major development, the two-bouncer rule will continue in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after it was introduced last season, according to Cricbuzz. The relevant clause in the playing conditions reads: “41.6.2 A bowler must be limited to two quick, short overs.”
This two-bounce rule exists in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Indian Premier League, but the International Cricket Council has yet to implement this rule in international T20s as only one bouncer is allowed per game.
