BCCI to Scrap Impact Player Rule in IPL 2027? Talks Pngoing

One of the most debated rules in the history of the Indian Premier League may be on its way out. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has formally sought feedback from all 10 IPL franchises on the Impact Player rule, setting a deadline of Monday, August 31, 2026. The move raises a genuine possibility that the rule — in place since the 2023 season — could be removed before IPL 2027 gets under way.

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What Is the Impact Player Rule?

The Impact Player rule permits each side to substitute one player during a match, allowing teams to reinforce their batting or bowling line-up depending on how the game is unfolding. Each team names a list of five potential Impact Players before the toss, and one of those players can be swapped in at any point — effectively turning the IPL into a 12-players-per-side contest.

The rule was first introduced in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on an experimental basis during the 2022-23 season before being added to the IPL in 2023. The BCCI later confirmed the rule would continue for the 2025–2027 IPL cycle.

What Did the BCCI Tell Franchises?

The BCCI reached out to all 10 franchises in a formal communication, with franchises given August 31 as the deadline to submit their feedback. The mail, quoted by Cricbuzz, read: “As discussed in the IPL 2026 Captains’ Meeting, it was agreed that feedback would be collected from all franchises at the conclusion of the tournament on key cricket operations matters.”

The board also sought franchise views on other issues including PMOA matters, umpiring, practice sessions, and playing conditions — but the Impact Player rule remains the most significant subject on the agenda.

The Controversy: Why the Rule Has Divided Opinion

Since its introduction in 2023, the Impact Player rule has divided opinion sharply across the league. Concerns about its effect on bowlers grew louder during the recently concluded 2026 season, even as high-scoring matches with totals exceeding 250 became a more regular feature.

The primary criticism is that the rule allows batters to bat with greater freedom — and that has been reflected in rising scoring rates and team totals over the past three seasons.

What the Cricket World Has Said

The voices against the rule form a remarkable who’s who of Indian cricket.

Sachin Tendulkar was the most recent and prominent critic. Speaking at the ESPNcricinfo awards for the greatest international cricketers of the 21st century — the night before the IPL 2026 final between RCB and Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad — Tendulkar said: “I feel there are a few things which, on a personal note that I can say, I think the impact player needs to go away. I feel when in a T20 format you just have to play 20 overs, and then you are adding one more batter to that line-up. Where bowlers are already being challenged, I find that imbalance.”

Tendulkar also proposed three reforms: a split Powerplay with the fielding captain controlling two overs, and allowing one bowler to bowl five overs.

Virat Kohli said the rule was disrupting the balance of the game. “There is a beauty in having an equal battle between bat and ball,” Kohli noted.

Rohit Sharma said he was “not a fan” of the rule and that it was hampering the growth of allrounders in India.

Those Against the Rule

Those in Favour of the Rule

What BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia Has Said

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed earlier in May 2026 that a comprehensive review is on the horizon once the IPL 2026 season concluded, while denying official requests from franchises to scrap the rule at the time. The BCCI will now review all the relevant feedback from franchises before making a final decision on the rule’s future.

What Happens Next?

If the majority of the 10 franchises agree to remove the Impact Player rule, it could change the IPL significantly ahead of the 2027 season. The decision is particularly important given the ICC T20 World Cup schedule, with the BCCI needing to decide whether the IPL’s “12 vs 12” format is helping or hindering the development of Indian cricketers on the world stage — where the traditional 11-player rules still apply.

The BCCI has also already scrapped the Impact Player rule from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which could be seen as a signal of the direction in which the board is leaning.

Is the BCCI removing the Impact Player rule from IPL?

No final decision has been made yet. The BCCI has formally sought feedback from all 10 IPL franchises on the Impact Player rule, with a deadline of August 31, 2026. The board will review all feedback before making a decision ahead of IPL 2027.

What is the IPL Impact Player rule?

The Impact Player rule permits each side to substitute one player during a match, allowing teams to reinforce their batting or bowling line-up depending on how the game is unfolding. It effectively gives each team 12 players rather than 11 per match.

When was the Impact Player rule introduced?

The rule was trialled in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in the 2022-23 season and officially introduced to the IPL in 2023. The BCCI confirmed it would continue for the 2025–2027 IPL cycle.

Who has spoken out against the Impact Player rule?

Several prominent cricketers including Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Axar Patel, Mukesh Kumar, and Mitchell Starc have spoken out against the rule, arguing it has tilted the balance heavily in favour of batters and reduced opportunities for genuine all-rounders.

Has the BCCI scrapped the Impact Player rule anywhere else?

Yes. The BCCI has already scrapped the Impact Player rule from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, removing it from the domestic T20 competition while retaining it in the IPL — a move that many see as a clear signal of the board’s changing stance on the rule.

Source: www.bing.com