Super sub back: Teams can field ‘impact players’ in domestic T20s

BCCI) has decided to introduce a tactical player substitution rule in the T20 format with the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy starting in October. The regulation will be called 'impact player'. According to a BCCI document, in possession of TOI, the regulation has been brought in keeping in mind the tactical changes allowed in other team sports like football, rugby, basketball and baseball.

"The concept of an Impact Player is to allow one substitute player per team to take a more active part in a match. This would add a new tactical / strategic dimension to the game," read the document. The International Cricket Council (ICC) had previously experimented with Super Sub rule in ODI cricket in 2005. But the experiment fizzled out within a year. However, BCCI sources first want to try out in a domestic tournament before contemplating introducing it in a marquee tournament like the IPL. This is a step taken towards helping cricket match other global team sports. The BCCI's new playing conditions state that teams will have to name playing XI and four substitutes at the time of toss. However, only one substitute per team can be used in the game. The substitute can be brought into play by the 14th over of an innings.

The captain/head coach/team manager will have to notify on-field or fourth umpire, before the end of the current over about the introduction of the Impact Player. Player who is replaced by an Impact Player can no longer take part in the remainder of the match and is also not permitted to return as a substitute fielder. If the Impact Player is used as a batter then he can only come in at the fall of wicket or the team can notify the match officials during innings break. For the bowling team, the substitute can come in at