After being shown wickets by Indian Premier League (IPL) franchisees, ex New Zealand coach Mike Hesson started praising the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Hesson is among the people who have turned fans of PSL, downplayed the IPL.
After PSL Draft 2025 ended, Mike Hesson took a subtle slide in the Indian Premier League. The head coach of Islamabad United criticized the IPL and its rules. It should be noted that Hesson worked as the head coach of Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Director of Cricket Operations and the head coach of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL.
Mike Hesson welcomes PSL, examines IPL’s ‘Influential Player Rule’
Well, Mike Hesson has created a storm with his bold comments about the Indian Premier League. He was particularly critical of the controversial ‘Impact Player Rule’ Indias franchise league. Hesson welcomed the Pakistan Super League and made it clear that Pakistan does not want the IPL to dominate the T20 league.
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The former New Zealand coach has openly said he doesn’t like the IPL’s ‘Impact Player Rule’, but is glad the PSL doesn’t have one. Hesson stated that he did not want the Indian league’s controversial rule to be included in the Pakistan Super League.
Mike Hesson said during the post-draft press conference: “I don’t like the Impact Player Rule in the IPL and I’m glad it’s not being implemented in the PSL. I don’t like to compare T20 leagues but this IPL rule is something I don’t want in PSL.”
Mike Hesson said: “I don’t like the ‘Influential Player Rule’ in IPL and I’m glad it’s not in PSL. I don’t like comparing T20 leagues but this IPL rule is one thing. I don’t want it in PSL” 🇵🇰🇮🇳🤯
Do Indian fans agree with this statement? 🥶 pic.twitter.chem/etcJtDRIju48
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 14, 2025
What is Indian Premier League Impact Player Rule?
Meanwhile, the ‘Influential Player Rule’ has been introduced in the 2023 IPL, which teams making strategic changes in the XI during matches.
Before the game, each team can select five substitutes other than the 11th player, and they must share the sheet during the shootout.
During IPL matches, the captain can replace one of the playing XI with an Impact Player. For example, a team may bring an extra batter when chasing a goal, or a ball specialist may bring a ball when defending a goal.
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Why BCCI introduced this rule?
The BCCI introduced this rule to make the league more interesting, but many criticize the rule as it has affected the growth of all-rounders and their value. It should be noted that thanks to ICC Champions Trophy 2025, IPL and PSL will completely clash this time.
Actually, Pakistan Super League has been moved to April-May window as Pakistan will host Champions Trophy 2025 in PSL window which is February-March. IPL 2025 is expected to be held from March 21 to May 25 and PSL 2025 from April 8 to May 19.
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