Impact Player Rule in IPL 2025

The Indian Premier League (IPL) turns 18 this summer and it will take place across the length and breadth of India from March 22 to May 25, 2025. The 2025 edition will see the introduction of a new rule to counter dew in the second half of a match during evening games. According to this new rule, a different ball will be available to the fielding side after the 11th over of the second innings if the umpires think there is significant dew on the ground.

Additionally, bowlers will be allowed to apply saliva on the ball as the BCCI has lifted the previously imposed ban during the COVID-19 pandemic era. However, one thing that’ll remain constant is the Impact Player rule.

IPL Impact Player Rule

The Impact Player rule was introduced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in the 2023 installment of the Indian Premier League. According to this rule, each team nominates five substitutes at the toss. One of these five substitutes can be used as an Impact Player. The Impact player can be employed as a full-time bowler or batter throughout the match.

Last year, we saw several teams taking advantage of the Impact Player rule. Particularly, the Sunrisers Hyderabad used this rule to substitute power-hitting opener Abhishek Sharma in the second innings of high-scoring matches for a proven bowler. One can expect more of the same this summer.

How to use the Impact Player rule?

Below are the rules and regulations for the Impact Player rule:

1. Each captain will nominate up to five substitutes after the toss. Unlike normal circumstances, where captains need to exchange team sheets before the toss, the Impact Player rule allows them to reveal their starting XI after the toss is done.

2. One of these five subs can later be named the Impact Player.

3. Each team is permitted a maximum of one Impact Player per match.

4. The Impact Player can only be invoked during one of the natural breaks to the proceedings - either at the start of the innings, between overs, at the end of the first innings, at the fall of a wicket, or when a batter retires hurt.

5. However, if a particular side employs its Impact Player either after the fall of a wicket or if a batter retires hurt due to unforeseeable circumstances while an over is in progression, the incoming player cannot bowl the remaining deliveries of that over.

6. If a team has already included four overseas players in its first XI, in that case, it can only use an Indian cricketer as its Impact Player.

7. The Impact Player is not allowed to act as a captain.
8. Although both teams are allowed a maximum of one Impact Player, it is not mandatory. Teams can choose to not use the Impact Player rule in matches they deem necessary.
9. The change must be made before the 14th over of an innings.