The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is re-evaluating two key playing conditions from last year’s domestic and Indian Premier League (IPL) seasons. The board is also reviewing the contentious Impact Player rule.
According to reports, the governing body is considering whether to retain the two-bouncer rule. This rule was introduced last year in domestic cricket and the IPL which allows the bowlers to deliver two bouncers per over, which is specifically to the men’s Twenty20 inter-state competition, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT).
Notably, this rule is completely different from international cricket, where only one bouncer is allowed per over. However, this rule was well-received by the cricketing community, particularly during the IPL, and the BCCI is now reviewing its implementation and contemplating potential adjustments.
“We understand that Impact Player and two bouncer rules are the key points and no decision has been taken,” said an official of a state unit.
The BCCI’s decision on whether to retain this rule for the upcoming SMAT will influence their continuation in the IPL. Despite earlier announcing that they will provide an update soon, the governing body has been slow to finalize and announce the playing conditions for the SMAT, which is scheduled to commence in November. It is worth noting that the BCCI has already released the rules, guidelines, and playing conditions for other domestic events scheduled for the upcoming season.
On August 5, BCCI shared a statement to the state units, which stated, “In relation to the Domestic Season 2024 – 25, we are sharing the following documents for your kind perusal.
1. Guidelines to the Host Associations and Participating teams;
2. Playing Conditions; Men’s Multi Day; Men’s One Day; Women’s Multi Day; Women’s One Day; Women’s T20; Women’s U-15.”
Additionally, the message also included a note suggesting that “Men’s T20 Playing Conditions will be shared shortly.”
With the Impact Player rule remaining a contentious topic among cricket enthusiasts, Zaheer Khan has recently backed the regulation. The newly appointed Lucknow Super Giants’ mentor stated that it provides significant opportunities to a lot of uncapped Indian players.
“There has been a debate around the impact sub rule. I’m going on record to say that I’m all for it. It has definitely given opportunities to a lot of uncapped Indian talents. It is something you will see in the mega auction when teams will be looking at them.
“As far as all-rounders are concerned, right now there is no space for a half all-rounder because of the impact sub (rule). But if you are a genuine all-rounder, (then) no one can stop you. There is always going to be a value addition with the ability with bat and ball,” Zaheer said recently in Kolkata.
