New Delhi: The controversial ‘Impact Player’ rule of IPL 2026 doesn’t have not many admirers among players, with Delhi Capitals seamer Kyle Jamieson being the latest to give it a thumbs down.
Multiple players, past and present, have criticised the rule that permits teams to substitute a player from a list of five at any point during a match.
They argue that it not only hinders the growth of all-rounders to also tilts the balance of bat an bowl heavily in favour of batters, allowing them to be ultra garressive irresctive of consequences.
“Personally, I’m not a fan of it. I think it takes a lot of the skill out of the game. I think if you can bat 9 or 10, you don’t have to have the same sort of batsmanship that you probably once had to have,” Jamieson said on Monday.
The BCCI introduced the rule in 2023 and will persist with it until 2027 despite criticism, with Jamieson pointing out that it is not allowed in international cricket, where traditional all-round skills are valued above all.
“I think there’s something to be said around, especially all-rounders, guys that can bowl and bat and offer balance to a team that way. And it does take a little bit of that skill out of the game,” he said.
“You don’t see too many other places around the world or international cricket that have the Impact Player rule. It’s probably for a good reason.”
Delhi have won both their opening matches and will take on Gujarat Titans in the next game. Jamieson is yet to feature in any of the matches.
“Obviously, you want to play. Everyone here wants to be able to find a way to contribute to this team winning games,” he said.
“But equally, you’re very aware that only four overseas players can play. There’s class from one through to 20-odd and for me personally, there’s no better place to be in terms of getting better as a cricketer than the IPL.
“So, it’s not like you need to play to get benefit from it. There’s still ways of contributing through trainings, through meetings, through helping around the boundary.
“For me, it’s just kind of the best place to be in terms of just growing your game, whether that’s on the park or off it.”