Delhi, India: The Indian cricket board (BCCI) has decided to implement a new "impact player" regulation starting with the next IPL season. As the IPL mini auction gets closer, franchises are working hard to figure out their combinations. However, only Indian players will be eligible for the "impact player," a tactical substitution made during a game.
Teams altered their auction strategies when the BCCI announced that it would implement the new rule. The playing condition has now been enhanced by the board with a rider.
"The franchises have been informed that a tactical substitution can only be made by an Indian player. It is possible to substitute an international player, but only an Indian player can do so. A source told TOI on Wednesday, two days before the auction in Kochi, that "the board wants to promote Indian talent, and this will mean that a team can't play more than four overseas players in a match."
At the auction, there was a lot of talk about franchises likely to pursue pace-bowling allrounders. When it came to selecting specialists, the "impact player" rule gave them more leeway. However, the new condition has somewhat disrupted their plans. Most teams would be interested in players like Sam Curran, Cameron Green, Ben Stokes, and Jason Holder because there aren't many fast bowlers or all-arounders from India.
"These all-rounders are extremely popular. However, if franchises are unable to utilize their services, the "impact player" option may also be beneficial to them. "The source stated that franchises have been searching for proper Indian seam-bowling allrounders, but now they don't really need to worry about it."
According to the BCCI's new playing conditions, teams must announce their starting XI and four substitutes at the toss. In the game, however, each team can only use one substitute. By the 14th over of an innings, the replacement can be put into position to p lay.
Green likely to win big While Ben Stokes will be the focus of the auction, Australia's Cameron Green, an all-rounder, is likely to attract a lot of interest. Given that Stokes will be leading England in the Ashes immediately following the Indian Premier League, TOI understands that there are some concerns regarding his availability throughout the season. Some franchises are prepared to spend a lot of money on Green in that scenario.
A glimmer of hope for Ishant TOI also learned that some franchises are interested in Ishant Sharma. In the two white-ball domestic competitions, he has bowled well. After being dropped from the Test team, he has been working on his white-ball game. "His expertise is priceless," the source stated.