Most IPL captains on Wednesday shared doubts about the Impact Player rule, a change that’s stirred debate ever since it arrived in 2023. Though the BCCI decided in 2024 to keep the rule running through 2027, questions still linger. Players and supporters continue weighing its effects, turning it into an ongoing talking point. During the captains’ gathering in Mumbai, each team leader offered thoughts, diving deep into how it shifts the game. The conversation stretched across hours, voices rising from every franchise.
“Majority of the captains gave their inputs on the Impact Player rule and expressed their reservations even though the BCCI has extended the rule till 2027. They were told it can only be reviewed after the 2027 edition and not before that,” an IPL source told PTI.
This week, Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel echoed concerns raised by Rohit Sharma about the Impact Player rule. Not long after, others began questioning its fairness too.
Truth is, I’m one of those all-rounders. Back then, such players always got picked – good with bat, good with ball. These days, selectors lean toward specialists instead. They question the need for someone who does both. It bothers me, sure. Still, that’s how things stand now. Rules stay rules, even when you disagree. Following those rules is necessary. Yet, honestly, he isn’t a fan,” Axar mentioned on Monday during his first chat with reporters before IPL 2026
That year, Rohit made clear his dislike for the Impact Player rule, arguing it hurt growth of all-rounders in India’s game. Next season came around, then Hardik pointed out how tough it got to fit an all-rounder into the team without top-level balance between batting and bowling.
Folks beyond New Zealand, such as Glenn Phillips, reckon this change might hurt all-rounders down the line.
“I do feel like there could be an issue at some stage with all-rounders losing out and not being so prevalent, which then obviously has an impact on the international game – international T20s, international one-dayers,” the Black Caps cricketer told PTI last season.
Ball swap wanted by captains once ten overs done in opening inning
A single ball swap came into play past season, post tenth over second innings, thanks to damp conditions gripping the field. Midweek, a skipper floated the idea: why not switch the cherry also at ten-over mark but during initial batting stretch.
“Ball change after 10 overs of the first innings was proposed, but it did not gain a lot of traction. There is heavy dew usually in the second innings and the current rule stands,” said the source.
Clarity on training guidelines sought
Few Indian Premier League skippers, including Ishan Kishan stepping in for Pat Cummins at Sunrisers Hyderabad, raised questions. During conversations with league administrators, they looked into workout protocols shared ahead of the 2026 season. Details mattered more than usual this round.
As per the guidelines shared with franchises, no practice will be allowed on match days, and “if one of the teams finishes their practice early, the other team is not allowed to use the wickets for their practice.”
“The captains wanted more clarity on the training guidelines and that was provided,” added the source
