(Source X)
Parth Jindal, co-owner of Delhi Capitals, has strongly voiced his opposition to the contentious Impact Player rule during a recent meeting between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials and IPL franchise owners. The meeting, held at BCCI’s Mumbai headquarters on July 31, saw Jindal criticize the rule introduced in IPL 2023.
The Impact Player rule allows teams to field an additional player during matches, providing them with flexibility in both batting and bowling line-ups. However, Jindal argued that this rule adversely affects all-rounders, as teams often prioritize specialist batsmen or bowlers over versatile players who can contribute in multiple ways.
Parth Jindal delivers a significant verdict on the Impact Player rule.
During the extensive two-hour meeting, Jindal unequivocally expressed his disapproval of the Impact Player rule, labeling it as ‘detrimental to Indian cricket.’ Post-meeting, Jindal elaborated on the rule’s repercussions, emphasizing its negative impact on the development of all-rounders within Indian cricket.
“Some people want it because it gives a chance to young players to play in the IPL. Some people don’t want it because it is detrimental to Indian cricket in terms of the development of all-rounders. So, it’s a mixed bag and I’m in the second camp. I don’t want it. I prefer the game as it is, 11 vs 11…” Jindal said.
The fate of the rule now rests with the BCCI, who will determine its continuation. It is expected that the board will forward all recommendations to the IPL governing council, which will ultimately decide on the next steps. Franchises can anticipate a decision by the end of August.
Addressing reporters, BCCI secretary Jay Shah assured that the board will carefully review all suggestions before communicating the decision to the franchises.
“The retention issue, the RTM issue, and all other aspects were discussed. We will let the franchises know about our decision in a week’s time,” Shah said.
Major players oppose the Impact Player rule.
The Impact Player rule led to a surge in high scores during the IPL 2024 season, as teams, bolstered by an additional batter in their Playing XI, aggressively targeted bowling attacks, resulting in frequent totals exceeding 200.
Rohit Sharma, India’s Test and ODI captain, highlighted the rule’s drawbacks, expressing concern that it stifles the growth of allrounders, which could detrimentally impact India’s cricketing future. Mohammed Siraj, a fast bowler for RCB, echoed these sentiments, advocating for the immediate abolition of the rule, citing its tendency to reduce bowlers to mere machines.
The combination of the Impact Player rule and the typically flat pitches of this year’s IPL has sparked renewed debate about the role of bowlers within teams. In IPL 2023, Australian allrounder Marcus Stoinis also voiced his opposition to the rule, noting how his opportunities to bowl were severely limited as Lucknow Super Giants favored specialist bowling options over his dual capabilities as a decent pacer in T20 cricket.
