Zaheer Khan contradicts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli over 'Impact Player' rule in IPL

Zaheer Khan contradicts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli over 'Impact Player' rule in IPL (Image: X)

Lucknow Super Giants' new mentor, Zaheer Khan, has voiced his support for the continuation of the impact player rule in the Indian Premier League. The former fast bowler believes that this rule contributes to the overall "improvement" of Indian cricket.

The role of team mentor at Lucknow Super Giants became available following Gautam Gambhir’s departure in late 2023. Gambhir, who now serves as the head coach of the Indian national team, left the position, allowing Zaheer Khan to step in and assume mentorship responsibilities on Wednesday.

“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 being unveiled as mentor at the team owner's headquarters in Kolkata.

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August 28, 2024

The impact substitute rule, introduced in IPL 2023, has sparked a range of opinions among players and stakeholders. Virat Kohli voiced his concerns last season, stating that it has disrupted the balance of the game. Similarly, India captain Rohit Sharma admitted that he was "not a big fan" of the impact player rule.

In a recent meeting between IPL team owners and BCCI officials, held in late July, there was no consensus among the teams regarding the rule's continuation. The meeting also covered other important matters, such as the potential for a mega auction.

However, the former Mumbai Indians player and current director of cricket for the franchise held a different perspective. He asserted that the impact player rule has been highly beneficial for young Indian talents, offering them valuable opportunities in the tournament.

"It has definitely given opportunities to a lot of uncapped Indian talents. It is something you will see in the mega auction when teams will be looking at them," he said.

"That opportunity significantly contributes to improving Indian cricket as a whole. The time spent on the field is something you cannot replicate. That’s the biggest advantage."

"As far as all-rounders are concerned, right now there is no room for a half all-rounder because of the impact sub (rule). But if you are a genuine all-rounder, no one can stop you. There will always be value added with the ability to contribute with both bat and ball," he added.