BCCI to look into the two-bouncer rule as well ahead of 2025 SMAT and IPL - Reports
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are considering revisiting the two-bouncer rule ahead of the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The rule was implemented on a trial basis in India's domestic T20 competition before being translated into the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) as well.
The move was welcomed by the bowlers, with the second bouncer being a potential tool against the flat pitches, short boundaries, and the extra batter due to the impact player rule. It is to be noted that only one bouncer per over is allowed in international cricket.
During the off-season, there has already been a thorough insight regarding the impact player rule. A wide array of opinions ranging from the broadcasters, to the franchises and the players have already been voiced. It remains to be seen whether the impact player and the two-bouncer rule will continue in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which will be an indicator as to whether it will be seen in the IPL or not.
"We understand that Impact Player and two bouncer rules are the key points and no decision has been taken," an official of a state unit told Cricbuzz.
The 2025 edition of the SMAT is scheduled to be held from November 23 to December 15.
BCCI yet to release playing conditions for SMAT amid impact player and bouncer rule conundrum
The state associations eagerly await the BCCI's rulings regarding the impact player and the two-bouncer rule. The governing body had shared the playing conditions and other documents for the tournaments ahead of the domestic season, but the playing conditions for SMAT were not included in the notice.
There was a note in the communication shared by the BCCI to the state units which read, "Men's T20 Playing Conditions will be shared shortly."
The provision of two bouncers did not have much of an effect in its first season of implementation as it was overwhelmingly outweighed by the conditions and batters' intent spurred on by the luxury of the impact player.
The season witnessed record scores at an unprecedented level, leading to fans and pundits questioning the impact player rule, coupled with the fact that it inhibits the all-rounders to a certain extent.
"Impact Player is like a test case. We have implemented it slowly. The biggest advantage of it is that two Indian players are getting a chance [in each game], which is the most important," BCCI secretary Jay Shah had said recently.
The BCCI are expected to finalise their decision regarding the playing conditions as well as the retention rules by early September.