Indian Premier League: Will introducing "Impact Player" in the T20 league be a "game changer"?

According to the new rule, teams will be allowed to replace one member of their playing XI during a match if they think it will be helpful. The rule is expected to be implemented first in state cricket so players and teams can get acquainted with the new rule. 

BCCI, in its circular, wrote, "With the ever-growing popularity of T20 cricket, it is imperative that we look at introducing new dimensions which will make this format more attractive and interesting not only for our viewers but also the participating teams from a strategic viewpoint."

The rule is not new to the T20 cricketing world. It was first seen in the Big Bash League as the 'X-Factor Player' in which the team can let their 12th or 13th player named on the team sheet come into the game beyond the 10th over of the first inning. The player can replace any player who is yet to bat or has bowled no more than one over. And replacement bowlers can bowl a maximum of 4 overs even if the player they have replaced has bowled an over.  

The regulation will be first seen in the Indian domestic league, the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 trophy starting from October 11 and is likely to be implemented in the next edition of the Indian Premier League. 

Will the Impact player be a game changer?

The concept is expected to add a new tactical and strategic dimension to the game. Impact Player will remain up to the teams; they may or may not utilise their substitute player in the game. 

The further circular states, "Teams need to identify playing XI and 4 substitutes at the time of the toss. Out of the 4 substitutes named in the team sheet, only one of the players can be used as an Impact player."

Unlike BBL, where the substitute player could come only beyond the 10th over, the Indian league rule states that the Impact Player can be introduced any time before the completion of the 14th over of their respective innings. 

"Player who is replaced by an Impact Player can no longer take part in the remainder of the match and is also not permitted to return as a substitute fielder. If a player gets injured while fielding in mid over, the current playing condition prevails under 24.1 – substitute fielders," the circular reads further.

While this concept looks to enhance the already spiced, fast-paced T20 format, some former players find the change confusing. 

Harsha Bhogle tweeted, "I am not sure I understand the need for an "impact player" in T20 cricket. You tinker with things when you think they are jaded. T20 is in the pink of health largely because the layperson understands it well; it is easy to follow. And the layperson is at the heart of the sport."

The concept will add a new dimension to the T20 format. But how teams and management sail with this new regulation to benefit players, teams and viewers remains a subject to be seen.