In cricket, rules have traditionally favored batters, making the sport increasingly challenging for bowlers. The introduction of T20 cricket has further intensified these difficulties, often resulting in batters dominating the bowlers in white-ball formats (ODIs and T20Is).
Before 2024 IPL season, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) introduced a rule allowing bowlers to bowl two bouncers per over in both the IPL and domestic cricket. The move provided some relief to the bowlers, allowing them to challenge batters. However, BCCI is now reportedly considering abolishing this rule.
There is also speculation about changes to another rule. BCCI introduced the Impact Player rule in IPL 2023. While this rule has added excitement to the IPL, it has faced criticism for potentially affecting the traditional balance of the game and creating challenges for all-rounders.
According to Cricbuzz, BCCI is deliberating whether to keep the two-bouncer-per-over rule or change it to one bouncer per over. In addition to the bouncer rule, the apex cricketing board is also considering whether to retain the Impact Player rule.
Both the two-bouncer rule and the Impact Player rule will be in place for the Syed Mushtaq Trophy T20 format this year and are expected to be used in IPL 2025 as well. The one-bouncer-per-over rule is already established in international cricket.
T20 legends Rohit Sharma and David Miller have openly called for the removal of Impact Player rule from IPL. Rohit argued that since this rule is not used in international cricket, its presence in the IPL lacks justification. BCCI is reportedly currently reviewing both the impact player rule and two-bouncer per over rule, and it is uncertain whether it will be retained for IPL 2025 or abolished.
