The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 17 will have the Impact Player concept introduced, but it may not be for everyone. The concept is still under discussion but there is speculation that the concept would only apply to Indian Players.
The Impact Player Concept is an idea that was introduced in this year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). According to the BCCI, “The concept is to allow one substitute player per team to take a more active part in a match. This would add a new tactical /strategic dimension to the game. A number of team sports allow teams to make tactical substitutes i.e. football, rugby, basketball, baseball. The substitute is allowed to perform or participate like any other regular player.”
It’s also been explained that an overseas player cannot be replaced with a new overseas player, nor will a team be allowed to have a foreign player in place of an Indian. This is to help maintain the primary and binding IPL rule of only four foreign players taking part in a game. It’s unclear whether a team with only three overseas players in the starting XI will be allowed to have a foreign player come in.
In a recent report by the BCCI, it was confirmed that a tactical/strategic concept will be introduced starting from the IPL 2023 Season. While the regulations for the concept are still being discussed, meant to add a new dimension to IPL. The concept involves the idea wherein one substitute player per team will be able to take a more active part in an IPL match.