IPL 2023 is special in many ways, not just because of the return of the 'home and away' format but also the introduction of the 'impact player' rule. This is an interesting innovation which fans would witness for the first time in the cash-rich tournament, which starts with a clash between Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium on March 31.  After the trading window, retention announcement and unveiling of the players registered for the IPL mini-auction in 2023, the BCCI has announced the introduction of the "Impact Player" rule to be applied for this season of the Indian Premier league.  Know details about the Impact Player Rule in IPL 2023 Here. IPL 2023 Schedule, Free PDF Download Online: Get Fixtures, Time Table With Match Timings in IST and Venue Details of Indian Premier League Season 16.

The introduction of the Impact player substitution rule was already getting discussed amongst the IPL governing council. As a trial platform of how it influences the game, the rule was used in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2022. After a successful trial, the rule is set to be used in the next edition of the IPL without much change.

What is the Impact Player Rule?

The Impact Player is an additional player out of the starting XI who can replace any player in the starting XI, at any given point in the match. The management has to inform the umpires before the end of the current over. An Impact Player can be subbed in by the batting team at the fall of a wicket or during the innings break. After introducing an Impact Player in a match, the player can bat and may bowl his full quota of four overs in an innings. If a player retires hurt, Impact Player can be introduced only at the end of the over in progress and is eligible to bat. Although irrespective of the sub's timing, only 11 players can bat during one innings. On Which TV Channel IPL 2023 Will Be Telecast Live? How to Watch Indian Premier League Cricket Matches Free Live Streaming Online?.

How will the Impact Player Rule Be Applied?

Contrary to the previous seasons, the team captains walking out for the toss will carry two team sheets. They will finalise their playing XI after the toss, depending on whether they are batting or bowling first.  Each franchise has to name five players in the substitute list in the team sheets submitted by the captain at the time of toss, and only one of them can be used as an Impact Player during the match. Only one player can be used as an Impact Player substitute during a match, and the management doesn't need to use it. Also, an overseas player can be brought in as an impact player only when the team's XI has not more than four foreign players. A foreign player can only replace a foreign player in the XI.

A substituted player can take no further part in the game, not even as a substitute fielder.  If the Impact Player replaces an injured player, the injured player can no longer participate in the match. If an Impact Player is injured, he can be subbed with a normal substitute fielder, but that player can neither bowl nor bat during the game. If a match is interrupted and shortened to less than 10 overs a side, the Impact Player rule will not be applicable.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 31, 2023 07:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).