IPL 2025: BCCI drops bombshell, scraps Impact Player rule from this major tournament

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a bold decision regarding the Impact Player rule. They have made the decision to scrap the Impact Player rule from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT).

The Impact Player rule was first introduced in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2022 on an experimental basis. According to the rule, the teams were allowed to bring in a substitute player into the playing XI at any point during the match. After the success of the Impact Player rule in the SMAT, the BCCI introduced the rule in the Indian Premier League.

Impact Player Rule Abolished In Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy As BCCI Takes Big Decision

Meanwhile, on Monday, October 14, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that the Impact Player rule would be scrapped from the upcoming season of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

In a message to the state associations, the Board of Control for Cricket in India stated (as quoted by Cricbuzz): "Kindly note that the Board of Control for Cricket in India has decided to do away with the provision of 'Impact Player' for the ongoing season."

The upcoming season of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is scheduled to begin on November 23 and the final will be held on December 15.

Notably, the BCCI has removed the rule from the domestic T20 tournament but has retained the rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and it will be used in the 2025 season of the marquee league.

Impact Player To Stay In IPL Till 2027

The Board of Control for Cricket in India recently released the IPL Player Regulations for the 2025-2027 season after discussions with the owners of all 10 Indian Premier League franchises and decided to continue the Impact Player rule in the competition at least till 2027.

Several top players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have criticized the rule as well as franchise officials have said that the rule hinders the growth of all-rounders.

Still, the Board of Control for Cricket in India decided to retain the rule. Some reports claim that the governing body was forced not to abolish the rule because of the pressure from the broadcasters as the IPL matches have got quite high-scoring and intense since its introduction.

Notably, nine of the ten highest totals in IPL history have been recorded since the introduction of the Impact Player rule.

Two-bouncer Rule To Stay In Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

In another major development, the two-bouncer rule is all set to continue in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after being introduced last season, as per Cricbuzz. The relevant clause in the playing conditions states: "41.6.2 A bowler shall be limited to two fast short-pitched deliveries per over."

This two-bouncer rule is in place in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Indian Premier League, but the International Cricket Council has not yet made this rule applicable in international T20s, as only one bouncer is allowed per over.