Last Updated:
Sanju Samson evades a bouncer during IPL 2024. (BCCI Photo)
The BCCI is reportedly reviewing a couple of rules it introduced last season in domestic T20 cricket including the Impact Player and two bouncers per over.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly reviewing the two-bouncer-per-over rule introduced in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) last year and replicated during IPL 2024. The reason behind the rule-change was to ensure there’s an even balance between the bat and the ball amidst claim that cricket is increasingly skewing towards the batters.
Also Read: Surya Injures Hand Ahead of Bangladesh Tests
This bouncer review is in addition to the much-talked about Impact Player rule which has divided opinions in the cricket fraternity. “We understand that Impact Player and two bouncer rules are the key points and no decision has been taken,” an official representing a state unit told Cricbuzz.
No explanation has been given from the BCCI thus far why the bouncer rule is being reconsidered and it’s yet to share playing conditions for upcoming SMAT – India’s domestic T20 competition. “Men’s T20 Playing Conditions will be shared shortly,” read a note from BCCI addressed to its state units.
While the two-bouncer rule was met with positive reception in SMAT and then IPL, the Impact Player hasn’t been universally accepted. Few call for it to be abolished as they fear it discourages the use of allrounders in playing XIs and thus will impact in their development.
However, others feel that it will give teams the opportunity to a “lot of uncapped players”.
“There has been a debate around the impact sub rule,” said Zaheer recently during an event in Kolkata. “I’m going on record to say that I’m all for it. It has definitely given opportunities to a lot of uncapped Indian talents. It is something you will see in the mega auction when teams will be looking at them.”
Zaheer, who has been named mentor of IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants, says that impact sub rule will have no impact on a “genuine allrounder”.
“As far as all-rounders are concerned, right now there is no space for a half all-rounder because of the impact sub. But if you are a genuine allrounder, (then) no one can stop you. There is always going to be a value addition with the ability with bat and ball,” he said.
