BCCI approves Team India’s participation in Asian Games, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy to feature IPL-style players

Mumbai: The Indian Premier League’s (IPL) version of the much-hyped ‘Impact Player Rule’ will be used in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy (SMAT), starting October 16. The ‘Impact Player’ was introduced in the SMAT last season, but had to be implemented. To be brought on or before the 14th over and to be named before the toss.

However, this will change from next season as teams will be allowed to pick four options before the toss apart from the playing XI, just like in the IPL. Of the four substitutes, only one may be used by any team as an impact player. The rule was approved at the BCCI Apex Council meeting in Mumbai on Friday.

“Both teams are allowed to use one impact player per match. However, it is not mandatory,” read one of the guidelines on the rule.

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The impact player was widely used by 10 IPL teams but his arrival divided opinion. Australian captain Ricky Ponting and the head coach of Delhi Capitals had said that this has almost ended the role of an all-rounder in the team.

“It actually almost negates the role of all-rounders in the game now. So unless they’re absolutely world-class and they get picked as a batsman or a bowler and not as a little guy, I don’t think you’ll see really many, many teams this year. will see. Use someone who can bat at number seven and maybe bowl an over or two. Because you don’t need those guys anymore,” Ponting said.

Approval for participation in Asian Games

The apex council also approved the participation of men’s and women’s teams for the Asian Games to be held in Hangzhou in September-October. A second row of Indians will take part in the men’s competition starting on September 28, while a full-strength team will be selected for the women’s competition starting on September 19.

Cricket has been played only thrice in the history of the Asian Games and the last time it was held in Incheon in 2014 when India did not participate. The competition coincides with a crucial time for the men’s team with India hosting the ODI World Cup from October 5.

India B team is all set to represent India in Asian Games in Cricket!

It will be T20 format!

Shikhar Dhawan can captain the team!

Rinku Singh, Nitish Rana, Tilak Verma, Krunal Pandya can be part of Team India!

hope to sleep#Asian Games#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/9FzcX8M8lG

Nilesh ji (@oye_nilash) 29 June 2023

In a note, the BCCI said fielding a team at the Asian Games will be a challenge given the busy international schedule but it is also important to contribute to the national interest. India will be a strong contender to win gold in both the men’s and women’s categories.

The board said, “Through effective planning, communication and coordination, the BCCI aims to successfully meet those challenges and contribute to the national interest by fielding a team in both men’s and women’s sections in line with the Government of India’s directives.” “