IPL 2023: What will be umpire's signal for introduction of 'Impact Player' in tournament?

BCCI introduces new signal for umpires for the ‘impact player’ rule ahead of the 16^th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The top-tier league is set to kickstart with defending champions Gujarat Titans playing at home in Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium against Chennai Super Kings on Friday, March 31.

While there have been quite a few additions in terms of rules in the league, one among them is the use of ‘impact player’. The rule allows teams contesting in the match to include five substitutes apart from the playing XI.

Johns.@CricCrazyJohns

The sign from the umpire for Impact player rule in IPL. (📷 : The Indian Express)

11:32 PM · Mar 22, 2023

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With the new rule set to be included in the league, umpires will need to cross their hands above their heads and clench their fists to signal the impact sub. In addition to this, each captain will be allowed to carry two team sheets while heading for the toss. 

The impact player rule has previously been experimented in the recently concluded SA20 in South Africa. As per reports by the Indian Express, the note explains- “(i) playing XI and 5 subs if they bat first. (ii) playing XI and 5 subs if they bowl first. Please tick on the batting first box on the team sheet for your batting first playing XI and vice versa. Depending on the outcome of the toss, the captains will exchange the team sheets accordingly.”

Playing squad increased to 16 for IPL 2023

For the smooth utilization of the impact substitute, the apex cricket board has increased the playing squad to 16 for teams to field the player optimally. Among other new rules is the decision to challenge the umpire's on-field reviews over no-ball and wides.  

The BCCI first introduced this rule in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) which helped teams challenge and overturn the wrongly-made decision by the umpire. Furthermore, teams will incur a penalty assuming they do not conclude their overs in the stipulated time of play.

The board has also made another change with regards to the unfair movement by fielders in the contest. As introduced in the T20 World Cup 2022, the fielding team will be permitted to have only four players outside the 30 yards circle instead of the regular five. Assuming the fielding team fails to inculcate the new rule, five penalty runs will be imposed and umpires will deem it as a ‘dead ball’.

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