BCCI set to introduce tactical substitutions in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20s

The BCCI plans to unveil a new rule soon. The new rule that we are talking about is actually a tested and tried rule from the playbook of the Big Bash League.

Speaking of the rule, it is nothing but an introduction of an “Impact Player” during an ongoing match innings as part of a tactical substitution. From a long time, the BCCI was planning to implement this rule in the IPL but decided to implement it first, as trial and error method from its upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy this year.

With its announcement through an email sent across to all the state associations, BCCI elaborated,

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.
BCCI

BCCI’s email added further,

The BCCI would like to introduce the concept of ‘IMPACT PLAYER’ wherein participating teams could replace one member of its playing XI during a T20 match based on the context of the game.
BCCI

So, let’s see how the new rule looks on the field?

Based on the circular released by the BCCI, the team playing needs to identify their playing XI which will be including the additional 4 players at the time of toss. Out of those additional 4 substitutes, only 1 player would be allowed to be part of the innings either as batter or bowler.

The use of the Impact player would not be a mandatory clause and will be upto the teams whether they want to use one or not.

The introduction of the impact player can only be made before the completion of the 14th over of the innings.

In order to make a call for the introduction of an “Impact Player” either the captain, head coach or the team manager has to notify it to the on-field umpire or the fourth umpire.

The player who will get replaced by the “Impact Player” will not be allowed again to be part of the remainder of the match and will also not be permitted to return as a substitute fielder in the game.

Before going ahead, we would like to add an interesting point that the BCCI added in their circular, it said,

If a player gets injured while fielding in mid over, the current playing condition prevails under 24.1 – substitute fielders,
BCCI

But if the same injured player who has been replaced by the “Impact Player’ will be able to make a comeback.

But let say if the injury takes place with the impact player, then the same rule will apply as it prevails under the playing conditions

From the batting point of view, the Impact player can only be introduced after a wicket has fallen or either during the innings break. But to make this call getting implemented, as mentioned above, the captain, head coach or the team manager has to notify it to the on-field umpire or the fourth umpire.

The introduction of the impact player either for batting or bowl will be given a full allotment of his innings. For instance, if the team is introducing an impact bowler, then he will be getting his full allotment of 4 bowling overs irrespective of whether the previously replaced bowler has already finished his innings (4 overs). However, in case of batting, BCCI cites it as,

Where a team, having been put into bat, loses a number of early wickets and want to increase their batting depth to post a challenging total. It could thus use an Impact player for a batsman already dismissed

The other team has the option to hold back its Impact Player change until the innings break to bolster their batting depth or may choose to introduce an Impact Player who offers additional bowling options

But if a bowler has been suspended immediately effectively due to breach of law, then the team cannot replace that player with the “impact Player”.

If a delay in the start of the match causes the total number of overs to be less than 10 overs, then also the services of the “Impact Player” cannot be utilized.

In most likelihood, the rule based on the results gained from domestic cricket, will determine whether or not the rule be implemented for the IPL 2023.

Let us hope for the best!

So, let’s see how the new rule looks on the field?

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