BCCI defers decision on Impact Player rule in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

The BCCI deferred the Impact Player rule in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on Wednesday (August 7), according to a report on Cricbuzz. However, it also added that if a 12th member of the team plays under such a rule, then he will be eligible for 100% of the match fee.

The BCCI, in a letter to the state associations, stated that it would provide the playing conditions for the domestic T20 competition, including its ruling on the Impact Player rule. "With regards to Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, if a team decides to use the 'Impact Player' during the match, he will be eligible for 100 percent match fees over and above the playing XI," the BCCI has said. However, the final ruling with regards to the Impact Player rule now lies with BCCI secretary Jay Shah.

It is understood that the final ruling could have a say on whether it's put into practice in the Indian Premier League (IPL). There have been mixed reactions to the Impact Player rule among the IPL franchises. While a few believe that it undermines the value of an all-rounder, others are of the belief that it gives opportunities to many youngsters.

Regarding the match fee, the BCCI release further stated, "15 players will be eligible for Match fees (Playing XI will be eligible for 100 percent while the remaining four will be entitled for 50 percent). (II) In case a Team India cricketer is deputed by the BCCI to participate in domestic cricket, he or she will be eligible for a match fee over and above the 15 players based on his Playing XI and non-playing XI status in the matches."

The SMAT 2024-25 will start on November 23, and the final will be played on December 15.

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