Before IPL 2023, one of the big new addition is the Impact Sub rule. At any point in an inning, a team can replace one player in the line-up with another on the list of substitutes. Teams can also name their playing XI after the toss. This essentially makes cricket a 12 vs 12 encounters. While the rule is exciting, it has not gone down well with many. Here, we take a look at two reasons why the Impact Player rules are affecting the game of cricket in IPL 2023.
1) Adds to the time of the game and hence, overall duration increases
It is inevitable that some time is lost whenever the umpire has to signal the Impact Player rule. The first game of IPL 2023 between CSK and GT happened for more than 4 hours and this is a big impact on the entertainment factor.
Sometimes, there could be confusion regarding the Impact Sub-rule and time would automatically get wasted. Already, T20 cricket is suffering because sometimes, games go on for a very long time. The attention span of the viewers is short right now and the Impact Player tactic might further have an impact on the same.
2) The value of an all-rounder is going down
The fact that the value of an all-rounder goes down is one of the reasons why the Impact Player rules are affecting the game of cricket in IPL 2023. All-Rounder is an important part of a cricket XI. This role makes the game all the more exciting. Teams have to think hard to derive the preferred balance.
However, with the new rule, a team can survive without an all-rounder. Yes, specialists are given their due but there are players who excel at contributing to both departments. Such players will now have very few reasons to convince the management to be a part of the XI. The tactical side of the game is now reduced. It has inclined towards becoming a game of skills vs skills. This might actually not help the game going forward.
