The sword is hanging over the Impact Player as well as the double bouncer rule. Both the rules are on the radar of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). BCCI is reviewing both. BCCI had introduced these rules to make the game interesting, which were brought specifically for the men’s Twenty20 inter-state competition, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). The board also tried both the rules in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Will the double bouncer take away the joy from the bowlers in IPL 2025? This may become clear in the coming few weeks.
Let us tell you that in IPL 2024, the bowler was allowed to bowl two bouncers in an over. The double bouncer rule was welcomed as the bowlers got another strong weapon. However, in international cricket, one bouncer is allowed in one over. According to the report of Cricbuzz, BCCI is reviewing the double bouncer rule in addition to the much talked about impact player. BCCI will take a decision on whether these two rules should be continued or not. A state unit official said, “We understand that the impact player and the two bouncer rule are the main points and no decision has been taken.”
BCCI has not yet informed about the playing conditions for SMAT. It’s been over three weeks since the BCCI released the rules, guidelines and playing conditions for the other upcoming domestic events of the season. However, state associations have no idea whether these two rules will continue. The main issue is the impact player rule, which remains a topic of discussion within the cricket world. Recently Zaheer Khan had supported this rule but many players and coaches have opposite views.
Zaheer said that there is a debate going on regarding the impact player rule. I second this. It has certainly provided opportunities to many untapped Indian talents. This is something that you will see in the mega auction when teams have their eye on him. He further said that as far as all-rounders are concerned, there is no place for a half all-rounder right now due to the impact rule. But if you are really an all-rounder then no one can stop you. Zaheer has recently been appointed mentor of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
