In the ever-evolving landscape of cricket, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has often been at the forefront of introducing innovative rules to spice up the game. One such rule that has garnered both praise and criticism is the Impact Player rule. Introduced to add excitement and unpredictability to the IPL matches, this rule has sparked a debate among players and coaches regarding its effectiveness and implications.

What is the Impact Player Rule?

The Impact Player rule, implemented in the IPL, allows teams to designate a player as an ‘Impact Player’ during the match. This player can earn additional points for the team based on their performance, influencing the game’s outcome significantly.

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Ravi Shastri’s Endorsement

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has emerged as a staunch supporter of the Impact Player rule. Shastri expressed his approval in a conversation with R Ashwin on his YouTube channel, citing its contribution to thrilling finishes in IPL matches. He emphasized the need to adapt to changing times and welcomed the rule to enhance the league’s competitiveness.

“The Impact Player [rule] is good. You have to evolve with the times. You know, it happens in other sports as well. It’s got tighter finishes. You have to evolve with the times and I think it’s a good rule. You saw the number of tight finishes we had in last year’s IPL. So, you know, it has made a big difference,” Shastri told R Ashwin on his Youtube channel.

Rohit Sharma’s Concerns

Contrary to Shastri’s viewpoint, India captain Rohit Sharma has voiced concerns regarding the Impact Player rule. Sharma believes that the rule might hinder the development of all-rounders in the league, potentially affecting the balance of the teams. His apprehensions raise questions about the rule’s long-term implications for player strategies and team dynamics.

Ashwin’s Case Study: Dhruv Jurel

In defense of the Impact Player rule, R Ashwin highlighted the case of Dhruv Jurel, who rose from being designated as an Impact Player in IPL 2023 to making his Test debut for India within a year. Jurel’s journey serves as a testament to the opportunities created by the rule for budding talents to showcase their skills on a larger stage and earn recognition.

“You know when any new rule comes in, there will be…people will try and justify why that’s not right,” Shastri said. “But in time when you see the scores – 200 and 190 – and then like you mentioned individuals grabbing that opportunity and making the most of it, people will start re-looking at how they think about it.”

Tighter Finishes and Enhanced Excitement

One of the immediate outcomes of the Impact Player rule has been the emergence of tighter finishes in IPL matches. The additional points at stake for the Impact Player have injected a sense of urgency and excitement, leading to nail-biting conclusions to games. This unpredictability aspect adds to the league’s entertainment value, attracting a broader audience.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is gearing up to release an advertisement for a new coach, confirmed by Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary.

Coaching Staff Selection Process

Shah revealed that the advertisement for the new coach would soon be published, signalling the commencement of the selection process. Additionally, he mentioned that decisions regarding other coaching staff, including batting, bowling, and fielding coaches, will be made in consultation with the new head coach.

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“Rahul’s tenure is only up to June. So if he wants to apply, he is free to do so,” the BCCI secretary said.

Possibility of a Foreign Coach

Addressing speculation about the new coach’s nationality, Shah stated that the BCCI is open to the possibility of hiring a foreign coach. However, he emphasized that the final decision rests with the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), highlighting the global nature of the selection process.

“We cannot determine whether the new coach will be Indian or foreign. It will be up to the CAC, and we are a global body,” the BCCI official said.

Duration of Coach’s Tenure

Shah confirmed that the new coach will be appointed for a long term, with an initial tenure of three years. This indicates the BCCI’s intention to provide stability and continuity in the coaching setup, ensuring a conducive environment for the team’s development.

“That decision will also be made by the CAC. There are many all-format players, like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rishabh Pant, among others. Moreover, there is no precedent for such a situation in India.”

Continuation of Impact Player Rule in IPL

Regarding the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Shah remained non-committal on its continuation. He stressed the importance of consulting with captains, coaches, franchises, and broadcasters before making a decision, underscoring the collaborative nature of the process.

“Impact player was a test case. Two new Indian players are getting a chance in the IPL,” he stressed when it was pointed out that the rule might not favor all-rounders. “We will discuss with the stakeholders – franchises and broadcasters – before deciding on the continuation of the Impact Player. It’s not permanent, but no one has provided feedback against the rule,” he said.

Contradicting recent claims, Shah stated that there had been no discussions on reviving the Champions League Twenty20 tournament. He reiterated the need for clarity and transparency in such matters, emphasizing the importance of official statements from the BCCI.

Shah left everyone guessing whether he will be taking up the International Cricket Council (ICC) chairmanship in November, as is being widely speculated, but did disclose that discussions will be held regarding the possibility of holding the World Test Championship (WTC) final outside of England.

“We have spoken to the ICC about it. They will consider changing the venue,” Shah said.