Sipu Jha
IPL team captains have been warned about fielder movement during catches and the officials of BCCI have shared an important update regarding impact player rule ahead of the 2026 season. Teams have been clearly instructed that a catch will only be considered valid if the fielder has complete control of both the ball and their body before any celebration begins. As per Clause 33.3 of the playing conditions, “The act of making a catch shall start from the time when the ball first comes into contact with a fielder’s person and shall end when a fielder obtains complete control over both the ball and his own movement.”While this rule is not new, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) emphasized its importance during a captains’ meeting held on Wednesday. Officials presented several video clips, including examples from the recent T20 World Cup, where catches were deemed invalid due to lack of full control.The message was clear: this rule will now be strictly enforced. Former India pacer Javagal Srinath and elite umpire Nitin Menon addressed this segment during the 90-minute session.
Impact Player Rule to Stay
The meeting also confirmed that the Impact Player rule will remain in place for at least another season, with no immediate plans for review. Despite concerns raised by some players, the BCCI and IPL officials made it clear that the rule will continue until at least the 2027 season.Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel openly criticised the rule, stating: “I don’t like this rule, honestly, because I am an all-rounder. Earlier, you would pick an all-rounder for both batting and bowling. Because of this rule, teams now prefer specialists.”There is a growing belief within the cricketing community that the rule could hinder the development of all-rounders. However, officials indicated that any formal review of the rule will only be considered after the 2027 season.A franchise representative who attended the meeting confirmed: “It was discussed, and it was made clear to all of us that the Impact Player rule is here to stay for at least two more seasons.”
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