What is the Impact Player rule in IPL? New rules in Indian Premier League 2023 explained

One of the more intriguing changes to the rules in the Indian Premier League for 2023 will allow teams to use an 'Impact Player'.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has implemented the potentially game-changing measure after trying it out in domestic competitions.

Announcing the news two days before the player auction on December 21, organisers said the move would add "a new tactical, strategic dimension" to the game.

Here's how umpires will let fans know it's happening during IPL games, the criteria teams have to meet to take advantage of it and everything else you need to know.

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What is the Impact Player rule in IPL?

Introduced for the 2023 season, Impact Players will give teams the opportunity to change their balance — and possibly swing a match in their favour — by substituting one player for another for the remainder of the game.

"A number of team sports allow teams to make tactical substitutes i.e., football, rugby, basketball, baseball. The substitute is allowed to perform or participate like any other regular player," the IPL said when the new rule was confirmed.

How does the IPL Impact Player system work?

In addition to the usual playing XI, teams will list four substitutes at the toss, any one of whom can be used as their Impact Player.

They will hand in two teamsheets: one with a starting XI and substitutes should they bowl first, and another if they begin by batting.

The Impact Player can join play before the start of an innings, at the end of an over, when a wicket falls or when a batter retires, although the player will not be able to bowl the remaining balls of the over if they are brought on by the bowling side when a wicket falls or batter retires.

The replaced player can play no further part in the match, and their team can still only use 11 batters, so one of their players yet to bat will not do so if the Impact Player does.

https://www.iplt20.com/news/3860/bcci-announces-schedule-for-tata-ipl-2023

Perhaps the most important aspect for teams to consider is that they are still only allowed to use a maximum of four overseas players in a game.

That means only an Indian can be used as the Impact Player if the team already have four overseas players in their starting XI.

What is the umpire signal for Impact Players?

Look out for umpires clenching their fists and crossing their hands above their heads, which means an Impact Player is about to enter the action.

What is the new IPL rule on no-balls and wides?

Teams have only previously been allowed to review on-field decisions when an umpire decides a player is or isn't out.

However, they will now be able to do so when wides or no-balls are called, with two unsuccessful reviews for each team in each innings allowed.

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