Impact Player Rule retained for 2025 IPL season

The Impact Player Rule will continue in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, despite criticism from players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. This rule has been a topic of discussion since its introduction in 2023 and will remain in effect until at least 2027. The IPL will open on March 22 with a match between the Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens. This season marks the 18th year of the IPL, which has grown to be one of the most valuable sports leagues in the world, second only to the NFL in the United States. Under the Impact Player Rule, teams have the option to play with 12 players. They can substitute any player from their original starting lineup at any point in the match, starting after the first ball of the first innings and before the last ball of the second innings. Unlike other cricket formats, the teams announce their playing XI after the coin toss. This allows both teams to have a batting and bowling line-up prepared. Additionally, each team names five substitute players at the toss. The Impact Player can be selected from these substitutes at any time during the match. Tushar Deshpande became the first-ever Impact Player when he replaced Ambati Rayudu during a match between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans in the last season. The rule aims to add more strategic depth to the game.