The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sought feedback from IPL franchises on the hottest topic of the league – the much-debated Impact Player rule. The franchises have been given until Monday (August 31) to submit their views on the contentious 12th-player rule, which has had a polarising effect in the league, particularly last season, which saw many high-scoring games with concerns expressed on hapless bowlers.
The BCCI has sought the franchises’ views on several other issues as well, including PMOA matters, umpiring, practice sessions and playing conditions. But the most important subject in a brief recent communication to the teams was the Impact Player clause. The communique has been accessed by Cricbuzz.
Seeking inputs on the recently-concluded season is a normal practice in the IPL. But specifically seeking responses on the Impact Player clause appears to be against the run of play, given the expectation that the rule would continue for at least another season. The BCCI/IPL managers appeared to indicate at last year’s pre-season Captains’ Meeting that the rule would remain for one more year. Interestingly, the BCCI communication cites that very Captains’ Meeting.
Many stalwarts such as Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Shubman Gill have openly opposed the idea. The sense emerging from the IPL is that the rule is not without its backers. Raising the issue when it appeared settled, however, opens up an uncertain scenario. Whether the rule will be reviewed next season remains an open question.
“As discussed in the IPL 2026 Captains’ Meeting, it was agreed that feedback would be collected from all franchises at the conclusion of the tournament on key cricket operations matters. Accordingly, we request you to discuss the following areas with your Cricket Operations teams and share your consolidated feedback with us,” the BCCI/IPL mail notes.
“Kindly ensure that your feedback reaches us by 31 August. This will help us compile inputs from all franchises and take forward the necessary review and action points ahead of the next season,” the communique further states. “We look forward to your response within the stipulated timeline.”
Apart from the Impact Player, another major issue during the last IPL was the breach of Anti-Corruption rulings with trespassers spotted in the PMOA area. It forced the BCCI to issue mid-season guidelines to players, support staff and owners. The BCCI mentions these PMOA concerns under the subhead ‘Match Day Matters’, which includes ‘catering, PMOA and any other related matters.’
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