The Impact Player rule was first introduced in the SMAT a few years back by the BCCI on an experimental basis and was later extended to the Indian Premier League (IPL). The rule was brought up with a motive to provide players, especially the uncapped ones, to gain more game exposure in the tournament. Teams can enhance playing opportunities by allowing the introduction of a 12th player at any point during the game, in exchange for replacing one of their original XI players named at the toss. The BCCI's decision to scrap the Impact Player rule came not long after they had opted to keep it in the IPL for the next 3 seasons, up to 2027. Introduced during the 2023 IPL season, the rule has sparked ongoing debates about its actual impact on Indian cricket and player’s development. While it was originally intended to benefit the game, some argue it might be hindering the growth of all-rounders in the long run. Notably, several top players, including the Indian and former Mumbai Indians captain, Rohit Sharma, have already voiced concerns, suggesting the rule could harm the development of versatile players. Also Read: BCCI to Skip Traditional Venues? A New City Considered as a Possible Host for IPL 2025 Auction Rohit Sharma on the Impact Player Rule: Rohit Sharma previously voiced his concerns about the rule during an appearance on the Club Prairie podcast. He discussed how this regulation could hinder the growth of all-rounders. "I generally feel that it is going to hold back (development of allrounders) because eventually cricket is played by 11 players, not 12 players. I'm not a big fan of impact player.”