From Impact Player to DRS for wides and no-balls: the new rules for IPL 2023 explained
The Hindu
The Impact Player had to be introduced before the 14th over of the innings
Cricket is a game of many variables: luck at the toss, the pitch, dew factor and home advantage to name a few. But with a raft of changes, Indian Premier League 2023 looks set to sport a more controlled look, and potentially become more of a level-playing field. A look at a few of them:
What is the Impact Player innovation and how does it work?
At the toss, in addition to the playing XI, teams have to name five substitutes, one of whom can replace a player in the starting XI at any point during the match. The on-field umpire will signal the introduction by crossing his hands above his head. The replaced player can take no further part in the match, even as a substitute fielder. The innovation was first trialled in the 2022-23 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, but the Impact Player had to be introduced before the 14th over of the innings.
Who can be the Impact Player?
An Indian, unless a team starts with three or fewer overseas players. This is to ensure that in any situation, a team can only use four foreign cricketers, a standard in place since IPL’s inception.
When can the Impact Player come in?
Before the start of an innings, at the end of an over, at the fall of a wicket or when a batter retires. However, if the bowling side introduces the Impact Player during an over — at the fall of a wicket or when a batter retires — he will not be allowed to bowl the remaining balls of the over.