Bengaluru: Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar has called for the controversial Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League to be scrapped, arguing that it has further tilted the balance in favour of batters in an era already dominated by high-scoring T20 cricket.
Speaking at the ESPNcricinfo Awards, Tendulkar said the rule, introduced in 2023, has created an unfair advantage for batting teams by effectively allowing franchises to strengthen their batting line-up in a format where bowlers are already under immense pressure.
The Impact Player rule permits teams to replace a member of the playing XI with one of five nominated substitutes at any stage of a match, adding a tactical element to team strategy. However, critics argue that it has reduced the importance of all-rounders and further diminished the influence of bowlers.
Tendulkar questions balance between bat and ball
Expressing his concerns, Tendulkar said T20 cricket already heavily favours batters and that the addition of an extra batter through the Impact Player rule has widened the imbalance.
According to him, bowlers are increasingly finding it difficult to contain aggressive batting in conditions that are often conducive to high scores. He suggested that removing the rule would help restore a fairer contest between bat and ball.
The former India captain’s comments come amid growing debate over the increasing number of massive totals being posted in IPL matches, driven by batting-friendly pitches and evolving power-hitting strategies.
Suggests changes to powerplay rules
Apart from opposing the Impact Player rule, Tendulkar proposed modifications to the powerplay structure in T20 cricket.
Currently, teams receive a six-over batting powerplay during which only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. Tendulkar suggested dividing the powerplay into two phases.
Under his proposal, the first four overs would remain unchanged, while the remaining two overs could be used later in the innings at the discretion of the fielding captain. During those overs, only two fielders would be allowed outside the circle, creating a tactical opportunity for bowlers and captains.
He believes such a change would add a new strategic dimension to the game and give fielding teams more flexibility in managing key moments of an innings.
Calls for five-over quota for bowlers
Tendulkar also advocated increasing the maximum number of overs a bowler can deliver in a T20 innings from four to five.
He argued that if top batters are capable of batting through the entire innings, teams should also be allowed to utilise their best bowlers for a greater portion of the match.
According to Tendulkar, permitting one bowler to bowl five overs would help teams rely more on their premier wicket-taking options and provide bowlers with a greater role in shaping the outcome of matches.
The proposal is aimed at strengthening the balance between batting and bowling while preserving the competitive nature of T20 cricket.
Debate over Impact Player rule continues
The Impact Player rule has been a subject of discussion since its introduction in the IPL. While supporters argue that it enhances tactical flexibility and entertainment value, critics believe it has made matches increasingly one-sided in favour of batters.
Several prominent cricketers, including Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma, have previously expressed reservations about the rule.
Tendulkar’s remarks are expected to add further momentum to the ongoing debate about whether changes are needed to ensure a more balanced contest in T20 cricket.
As the IPL continues to evolve, discussions surrounding rules and playing conditions are likely to remain central to efforts aimed at maintaining fairness and competitiveness in the world’s most popular franchise cricket tournament.
