'Impact Player' rule in IPL: Here's everything you need to know

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is currently underway, with ten franchise teams fighting it out against each other to win the title. Many of us must have seen the IPL teams using the 'Impact Player' rule during the matches where one player from the playing XI gets replaced by a substitute player who was initially not for the team. In this article, we'll understand the concept behind the Impact Player rule in the IPL.

What is the Impact Player rule in the IPL?

The Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) introduced the 'Impact Player' rule in IPL 2023. The fundamental concept behind the rule is to replace one player from the playing XI with a substitute player who can play an impactful role with the bat or ball.

After the match begins, skippers of both teams can choose any one player from the five substitute players available to play the match by replacing one player from the playing combination.

Key points to note about Impact Player rule

1. If a team is already having four foreign players in the playing XI, they will not be allowed to opt for another foreign player as an impact player.

2. Teams can use only one impact player per match, and a maximum of 11 players can play the match.

3. Just like any other player, an impact player can bat and bowl normally without any restrictions.

4. An impact player can be introduced any time during the match.

5. Teams are allowed to select an impact player from the list of five substitutes named before the match.

6. The player replaced by an impact player can no longer be part of the match.

The 'Impact Player' rule has provided the teams a bit more flexibility in adapting to the match situation, as they can opt for a player that suits the best for a particular situation. It can either be a batter who can score runs for them or a bowler who can chip crucial wickets.

The first-ever impact player was used during the season-opening clash in IPL 2023 between CSK and GT, where Tushar Deshpande replaced Ambati Rayadu.