IPL Impact Player Rule: Impact Player rule will not be removed despite opposition from captains, BCCI announces big decision

News India Live, Digital Desk: Just before the start of the 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026), BCCI has made its position clear on the ongoing debate regarding the ‘Impact Player’ rule. In the official IPL Captains’ Meet held in Mumbai, the Board has made it clear that despite all the protests, this rule will continue till IPL 2027. That is, for the next two years, teams will continue to be allowed to use 12 players instead of 11. There was an uproar in the captains’ meeting: Most of the 10 expressed opposition. Captains (or representatives) of all the 10 franchises were present in this important meeting held at the BCCI headquarters on Wednesday (25 March 2026). Captains’ argument: Senior players like Rohit Sharma, Akshar Patel and Hardik Pandya have already criticized this rule. Was. Captains believe that because of this rule the role of all-rounders is coming to an end. Teams now field an extra batsman or specialist bowler as an impact player, eliminating the need to hone an all-rounder. BCCI’s response: IPL officials and the board listened to the captains’ concerns, but refused to make the change, saying the rule had already been extended until 2027. The board argues that this rule is making the game more exciting and high-scoring. ‘Formal Review’ will be done only after 2027 BCCI bluntly told the captains that any formal review of the Impact Player rule will be done only after the conclusion of the 2027 season. The board believes that broadcasters and viewers are liking this format because it is resulting in big scores in the matches. However, experts are of the opinion that this could be fatal for the future of Indian cricket, especially the preparations for the T20 World Cup as part-time bowlers are no longer getting a chance to bowl. Other major decisions and rules in the meeting (IPL 2026): Not only impact players, but many other important points were also discussed in the meeting: Ball change proposal rejected: A captain had suggested changing the ball even after the 10th over of the first innings. (As happens in the second innings due to dew), but match referee Javagal Srinath and umpire Nitin Menon turned it down. Strictness on Catch Rule: The fielder will have to have complete control over the ball and his body before celebrating, only then the catch will be considered valid. Restrictions on practice: Now no team will be able to do a formal practice session on the field on the day of the match. Two bouncer rule: Last year Like this year also, permission to bowl two bouncers in an over will remain intact. Maha Kumbh will start from March 28. The first match of IPL 2026 will be played between defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Bengaluru on March 28. Sunrisers will be captained by Ishan Kishan in this match as regular captain Pat Cummins will join in the second half.