Impact Substitute Rule in IPL: A Double-Edged Sword?
The Indian Premier League (IPL) introduced the “Impact Substitute” rule in 2024, allowing teams to name five substitutes, one of whom could replace a player in the playing XI. While the rule has led to high-scoring games and deeper batting lineups, Australian speedster Josh Hazlewood has expressed reservations about its long-term impact.
Hazlewood believes the rule may need “a bit of tinkering” as it has made it difficult for bowlers to attack in the Powerplay. With batters like Tim David coming in at lower order positions, bowlers feel less inclined to take wickets early on.
“I’m not sure it’s a great rule,” Hazlewood said. “The conditions have come into play a little bit lately with bowlers having a bit of impact, but I mean, you’ve got (batters) like Tim David at number eight, sometimes number nine.”
The rule has also contributed to the record-breaking scores in the current IPL season. Sunrisers Hyderabad has twice broken the record for the highest score in the competition’s history, and even a target of 262 was chased down by the Punjab Kings.
Hazlewood acknowledges that the rule has made the games more entertaining for fans, but he believes it may need to be adjusted to ensure a more balanced contest between bat and ball.
“Obviously, the crowd loves it – there are 200-plus scores nearly every night – and it’s good for batters, but it might need a bit of tinkering,” he said.
Hazlewood, who missed the ongoing IPL season due to the birth of his child, is part of Australia’s 15-player squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The Baggy Greens will kick off their campaign on June 6 against Oman in Barbados.
