SA20 Likely To Adopt IPL 2024's Impact Player Rule In 2025

SRH seems to have perfected 'Impact Player' rule in IPL 2024 (BCCI)SRH seems to have perfected 'Impact Player' rule in IPL 2024 (BCCI)

The ‘Impact Player’ rule, first introduced in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, will likely be adopted by Cricket South Africa (CSA) for the 2025 edition of SA20. According to reports, SA20 administrations will likely announce their stance on the rule later this year.

Interestingly, CSA were in talks to incorporate the ‘Player Impact’ rule for this year’s SA20 2024 as well. However, the aforementioned discussions were held after the SA20 player auction had already taken place and the franchises were not able to shape their squads accordingly.


Impact Player rule to make its way to SA20?

The ‘Impact Player’ rule might make its way to SA20 next year, as reported by Cricbuzz. The aforementioned rule allows competing captains to chose a player outside the playing XI to substitute another cricketer for a role at any point of the match. 

Ever since its introduction, several experts have criticized it by claiming that it has restricted the role of all-rounders.

While SA20 is reportedly considering to follow the IPL model, the idea has found much disapproval from several prominent personalities, including that from former South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis.

The legendary Proteas cricketer stated that the ‘Impact Player’ rule has already resulted in numerous high-scoring encounters in the ongoing IPL 2024 season. 

Compatible to Kallis’ claims, IPL 2024 has already witnessed 11 of the tournament’s 20 all-time highest totals and four of the highest 20 successful run-chases.

SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith is yet to respond to enquiries about the possible integration of the ‘Player Impact’ rule in the South African-based franchise league. 

It is to be noted that all six competing franchises in SA20 are owned by IPL franchise owners. With the influence of IPL already looming large over SA20, it remains a high possibility that the South African T20 competition will be entertaining the idea of the rule at some point.