TNPL 2023: Impact Player rule, DRS introduction among major changes in tournament overhaul

The upcoming edition of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) will see the introduction of the Impact Player rule being introduced in the tournament, following its successful implementation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. In addition to this, the competition will also have Decision Review System (DRS), however, it will not be available for wides and no-balls like the IPL.

Another major change is there being reserve day for the playoffs. It is worth noting that the previous edition’s summit clash washed out as Chepaul Super Gillies and Lyca Kovai Kings were adjudged as joint-winners. However, to counter that, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) have announced reserve days for all playoff matches, including the finals from the upcoming edition.

Salem will host the Qualifier 1 on July 7 and the Eliminator on July 8 whereas Tirunelveli will host the Qualifier 2 on July 10 and the final slated to be played on July 12. Meanwhile, the MA Chidambaram Stadium will not host any TNPL game this year owing to the renovations ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup, scheduled in India in October-November. Dr. R. N. Baba, TNCA additional secretary, confirmed to the reporters in a press meet that the Chepauk will not host any fixture for the second time since 2021.

“Chepauk will not host matches this year as the floodlights in the stadium will be undergoing renovations ahead of the highly-anticipated ODI World Cup later this year," Baba told reporters.

The TNCA is also pondering over the idea of having a women’s competition, much like the Women’s Premier League (WPL). It is understood that a Women’s TNPL is in the pipeline and is expected to be officially confirmed by the organisers in 2024.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu batter and Kovai Kings captain M. Shahrukh Khan has said that the emerging local talents are also attracting interests from IPL franchises. “The Punjab Kings manager had come up to me and told me that he and a few scouts from the team would be coming to look at the players. The scouting and the eye for talent are a lot around in India, and everybody is ready to look at someone very special and rope them into their side,” Shahrukh said.