Apart from the much-debated Impact Player rule, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently stuck on another significant playing condition from the last domestic and Indian Premier League (IPL) season – the second bouncer clause. The BCCI remains undecided on whether to continue with the two rules, and there are indications that it is considering reviewing them. The rules are specifically meant for the men’s Twenty20 inter-state competition, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT).
The two-bouncer rule was introduced in domestic cricket, subsequently in the IPL, last season when the second bouncer in an over was effectively used. In international cricket, only one bouncer is allowed. The rule was welcomed largely by the cricketing fraternity in the country, mainly during the IPL, but it is understood that a review of the rule is underway. “We understand that Impact Player and two bouncer rules are the key points and no decision has been taken,” said an official of a state unit. The decision on whether to include these rules in the SMAT will impact their continuation in the IPL.
The persistent dilemma is why the BCCI has yet to share the playing conditions for the SMAT, despite earlier stating that they would be communicated soon. It has been over three weeks since the BCCI released those rules, guidelines, and playing conditions for other upcoming domestic events of the season, but the state associations remain uninformed about whether these two rules will be continued.
In its August 5 communique to the state units, the BCCI had stated, “In relation to the Domestic Season 2024 – 25, we are sharing the following documents for your kind perusal. 1. Guidelines to the Host Associations and Participating teams; 2. Playing Conditions; Men’s Multi Day; Men’s One Day; Women’s Multi Day; Women’s One Day; Women’s T20; Women’s U-15” with a note which stated; “Men’s T20 Playing Conditions will be shared shortly.” The SMAT competition will start in November.
The main issue remains the Impact Player rule, which continues to be a divisive topic within the cricket community. Recently, Zaheer Khan expressed support for the rule, although many players and coaches are understood to have opposing views to it. “There has been a debate around the impact sub rule. I’m going on record to say that I’m all for it. It has definitely given opportunities to a lot of uncapped Indian talents. It is something you will see in the mega auction when teams will be looking at them.”
“As far as all-rounders are concerned, right now there is no space for a half all-rounder because of the impact sub (rule). But if you are a genuine all-rounder, (then) no one can stop you. There is always going to be a value addition with the ability with bat and ball,” Zaheer said recently in Kolkata during a Lucknow Super Giant event.
When asked about it recently, BCCI secretary Jay Shah had said that a call will be taken and communicated soon.
