The rule change helps teams to select their finest XIs and key players based on whether they are batting or bowlingIPL 2023 will begin with an addition of a new set of rules. Following in the footsteps of the SA20 (Twenty20 franchise cricket tournament in South Africa), IPL teams can now disclose their playing eleven after the toss in the upcoming seasons. Before, captains had to hand over team sheets at the toss, but the new rule allows the team to improvise with their lineup based on the toss. In addition to the Impact Player Rule, it is one of many new changes made by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) for the new season. Based on the playing conditions clause 1.2.1: “Each captain shall nominate 11 players plus a maximum of 5 substitute fielders in writing to the IPL Match Referee after the toss,” in addition to this, it is stated that “Other than set out in Clause 1.2.9 no player (member of the playing eleven) may be changed after the nomination and prior to the start of play without the consent of the opposing captain.”This practically means that a captain is permitted to change his playing eleven after the toss if he sees the need to do so in order to meet the requirements of the match. Inspiration of SA20After the SA20, the IPL becomes the second T20 franchise league to allow teams to disclose their playing eleven after the toss. In the SA20, which held its debut season earlier this year, clubs initially put 13 names on their team sheets before confirming their final playing eleven after the toss. The move, according to Graeme Smith, the SA20 League director, was intended to “lessen the influence of the toss” and provide a level playing field according to the circumstances. At the completion of the SA20 season, the numbers were quite even: teams that won the toss won 15 times and lost 16 times. The adoption of the same method may help the BCCI to improve the quality of IPL in the coming seasons.The data from IPL 2019, the last time the IPL was played in India under a home-and-away format, show that the sides that won the toss won more frequently than not: throughout 60 matches, teams won 34 and lost 23 after winning the toss. Although the toss will still be crucial, the new rule should prevent scenarios where “win toss, win the match” is the case. Instead, teams will be able to modify their playing eleven as needed. If a side that expected to bat first and then defend a total on a slow pitch in shifting circumstances is forced to bowl first, for instance, it can include one more spinner in the playing eleven and then swap out a bowler for a batter in the next innings to aid in the run chase.Introducing “Impact Player”The new rule change will enable the introduction of the “Impact Player.” The Impact Player would be a replacement player who can come in both during bat and bowl. Following the toss, each skipper must submit a written list of 11 players, plus a maximum of five substitute fielders, to the IPL match referee.Before implementing the Impact Player rule in the 2023 IPL season, the BCCI tested it in its domestic leagues. At the same time, also in the Womens Premier League (WPL), teams would be able to use the Decision Review System to appeal wide and no-ball calls made by umpires (DRS).Also, with the introduction of the impact player, it now has a new umpire signal. They will have fists clenched and their hands crossed above their heads.Other important rule changes The penalty for an unfair movement by the wicket-keeper on the occasion that there is a change in the standing of the batter before he meets the ball is the other key modification to the rules. If the wicket-keeper moves unfairly, one umpire may call and indicate a dead ball and redirect the other umpire to find the reason for doing so. After that, the bowlers end umpire shall, if necessary, impose a one-run penalty for wide or no ball or award the batting side five penalty runs. Also, notify the fielding sides captain and ask for an explanation or cause for this action. Report the batters and, as soon as possible, the batting side skipper what has happened.Among other modifications BCCI has added, the teams will be penalised if they dont bowl their overs in the allotted time. If the fielding team takes too long to complete the overs, it will only be permitted to use four fielders outside of the 30-yard line as opposed to the customary five. During the T20 World Cup last year, this regulation was in effect.The board also ruled that if fielders move in an “unfair” manner, the umpire would call it a “dead ball”, and the fielding side will be fined five penalty runs. Every ball that leads the striker to leave the field is also a no-ball, accompanied by a dead ball.
