The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to make a final decision on the controversial Impact Player rule during the captain’s meeting, which will be staged on March 20. According to the latest reports, the BCCI might scrap the Impact Player rule for Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) season.
The IPL 2025 tournament is set to begin on March 22, with a match between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). All ten IPL captains have been asked to attend a meeting at the BCCI headquarters at noon in Mumbai on Thursday, March 20.
BCCI to Scrap Controversial ‘Impact Player’ Rule in IPL 2025?
The agenda for the BCCI meeting has been accessed by media outlets. According to Gaurav Gupta, senior assistant editor at The Times of India, one of the key topics of discussion is the controversial Impact Player rule, which might be scrapped for the IPL 2025.
“Interestingly, there will be a discussion on the controversial Impact Player rule in the IPL, which am told, could be removed too.. let’s wait for the outcome of the IPL captains’ meeting, which is going on right now! #IPL2025,” Gaurav Gupta wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Impact Player Rule Introduced by BCCI in IPL 2023
The Impact Player rule, introduced by the BCCI in IPL 2023, allows teams to substitute a player—either a batter or a bowler—during a match. This rule has encouraged an aggressive batting approach, including SunRisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) record-breaking 287/3 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2024.
However, the rule has sparked debate, with critics arguing that it reduces the importance of all-rounders in the tournament. While players like Ravichandran Ashwin backed it, others, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, have opposed it. Despite the mixed reactions, the rule has been extended until 2027.
IPL Captains’ Meeting Agenda Excludes Discussion on Saliva Ban Removal in IPL 2025
There are reports that the BCCI is set to lift the ban on saliva use for bowlers in the IPL 2025, which begins on March 22. While the official agenda for the IPL captains’ meeting did not include this topic, journalist Gaurav Gupta added that it is expected to be discussed at the BCCI headquarters.
“The IPL captains meet agenda doesn’t have the discussion on removing saliva ban point..but am told that the issue will be discussed in the meeting today at BCCI HQ..lets see! #IPL2025,” Gaurav Gupta added.
All ten IPL teams have confirmed their captains for the 2025 season. Axar Patel has been named the new skipper of Delhi Capitals.
Hardik Pandya (Mumbai Indians), Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad), Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings), Rajat Patidar (Royal Challengers Bangalore), Rishabh Pant (Lucknow Super Giants), Shreyas Iyer (Punjab Kings), Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals), Ajinkya Rahane (Kolkata Knight Riders), and Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans).
