Zaheer Khan, the newly appointed mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants, has thrown his weight behind the controversial impact player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The former Indian fast bowler believes the rule has a positive impact on the development of young Indian talent, ultimately contributing to the overall improvement of Indian cricket.
Zaheer’s statement comes amidst a debate surrounding the impact player rule, which was introduced in IPL 2023. While some players, including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, have voiced concerns about the rule’s disruption to the game’s balance, Zaheer sees it as a valuable tool for nurturing young talent.
“There has been a debate around the impact sub rule. I’m going on record to say that I’m all for it,” Zaheer told reporters, as quoted by PTI, after his unveiling as mentor in Kolkata. He argues that the rule has opened doors for uncapped Indian players, giving them valuable experience in the high-pressure environment of the IPL. “It has definitely given opportunities to a lot of uncapped Indian talents. It is something you will see this in the mega auction when teams will be looking at them,” he said. “That opportunity goes a long way with improving Indian cricket on the whole. The time spent in match time, it’s something you cannot beat. That’s the biggest plus.”
Zaheer also believes that the impact player rule has forced teams to prioritize genuine all-rounders, as there is no room for players who lack proficiency in both batting and bowling. “As far as all-rounders are concerned, right now there is no space for a half all-rounder because of the impact sub (rule). But if you are a genuine all-rounder, (then) no one can stop you. There is always going to be a value addition with the ability with bat and ball,” he added.
The impact player rule, which allows teams to substitute a player during the game, has sparked a heated debate among players and stakeholders. While some view it as a positive move that promotes dynamism and strategic thinking, others argue that it disrupts the flow of the game and devalues the importance of traditional roles.
The future of the impact player rule remains uncertain. A recent meeting between IPL team owners and BCCI officials in late July failed to reach a consensus on its continuation. The meeting also discussed other crucial matters, such as the possibility of conducting a mega auction. Zaheer’s strong support for the rule, however, adds an interesting dimension to the ongoing debate and underscores its potential impact on the future of Indian cricket.
