The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly postponed the decision on implementing the Impact Player rule in the upcoming season of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) — India’s premier domestic T20 competition.
According to a Cricbuzz report, the BCCI recently informed state associations of several new rule changes via email, but mentioned that the playing conditions for SMAT, including the Impact Player rule, would be detailed at a later date. The matter is currently under the purview of BCCI secretary Jay Shah.
The BCCI faces a dilemma regarding the Impact Player rule in the IPL, with some team owners appreciating its entertainment value while others are strongly opposed. Until this issue is resolved, it is unlikely that a decision will be made about the rule’s application in SMAT.
When the rule was introduced in the IPL two years ago, the BCCI also tested it in SMAT to prepare domestic players for the IPL. If a decision on SMAT is made first, it could indicate the rule’s continued use in the IPL.
BCCI Brings Impact Player Under Match Fees
The report also highlighted that despite the pending decision, the BCCI has directed state organizations to consider the Impact Player eligible for match fees equal to the rest of the playing XI.
“Regarding the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, if a team decides to use the ‘Impact Player’ during the match, he will be eligible for 100 percent match fees over and above the playing XI,” the BCCI stated in the email, according to the report.
Additionally, the BCCI mentioned that if national selectors assign an Indian player to a state cricket match, the state will have to pay them match fees over and above the 15-member squad.
This delay adds an element of suspense to the upcoming SMAT season, as teams and players alike await clarity on the rules that could significantly impact the competition’s dynamics.
