IPL 2023: BCCI set to introduce Tactical Substitutes in Cash-Rich League

The BCCI is planning to introduce the concept of Tactical Substitutes in the IPL 2023 where the incumbent substitutes can play more active roles during the normal course of the match.

BCCI had earlier experimented with the concept during the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali T-20 Trophy with an additional framework of the Impact Player Rule. According to the Impact Player Rule, the captains can name four substitutes before the toss and can use any one of them as an Impact Player who can replace the existing Playing XI at any point of the match before the 14th Over.

Notably, the Impact Player can be assigned any responsibilities identical to the normal XI player. He can bat as well as bowl the full quota of his overs. Though the initial scope of Impact Player has not been defined in the regulations, it achieved success and was acclaimed in the domestic circuit.

BCCI is yet to introduce rules for Tactical Substitutes in IPL 2023

Implementing the Tactical Substitutes or the Impact Player rule in IPL will serve much larger complications until the scope is defined. Currently, an impact player can also replace a dismissed batsman and bat until the team hasn’t lost their 10 wickets. He can also replace a bowler who has draining runs and can still bowl his individual quota of four overs.

These rules and regulations do not seem stagnant and the BCCI will likely define the scope of tactical substitutes. Addressing the media, BCCI stated that they are on the verge to imply a new dimension to IPL in the form of tactical substitutes. However, the officials mentioned that the regulations pertaining to the rule have not been framed yet and will be announced soon.

The tactical substitutes in IPL can be similar to the Supersub system that was in place for ODI games in 2005-06. According to this system, a substitute can replace any player but could not bat if the player is dismissed and can only complete the quota of the bowler he has been replacing.