The Impact Player rule and fantasy cricket
In the IPL, each side can bring in a substitute during the match. That one rule changes who bats, who bowls, and which players are worth picking in fantasy.
Updated
What the rule is
The Impact Player rule lets each IPL team replace one player in its XI with a substitute during the match. At the toss, each side names its XI and a list of substitutes. The replaced player takes no further part, and the substitute can bat and bowl as normal within the usual limits.
The rule was introduced in the IPL in 2023. The IPL governing council confirmed in September 2024 that it would stay for the 2025 to 2027 seasons, and the BCCI repeated before IPL 2026 that it would not be reviewed before the end of 2027. The BCCI dropped the rule from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, so do not assume it applies outside the IPL.
How teams use it
The most common pattern is simple: a side brings in an extra batter when it bats and an extra bowler when it bowls. That means:
- batting line-ups run deeper, so top-order batters can attack from the first ball;
- an extra specialist bowler often replaces a batter for the second innings;
- teams rely less on all-rounders to fill both roles.
How fantasy games score it
Many fantasy games give points to a substitute who comes into the match, for example +4 in the reference T20 table on our points system page, plus whatever he scores. A player who is named in the XI and then replaced keeps the points he scored before he left.
The practical risk: a player you picked can be swapped out halfway through the match. A batter from the side batting first might be replaced by a bowler once the innings ends and score nothing more; a bowler might only come in for the second innings.
What it changes in your picks
- Top-order batters gain value. With deeper batting behind them, they attack more, which suits boundary and strike-rate bonuses.
- Specialist bowlers stay valuable. Teams still need 20 overs, and an extra specialist often bowls them.
- Bits-and-pieces all-rounders lose some value. A player who bowls one or two overs is easier to replace with a specialist.
- Look at the substitute list after the toss. It hints at who will come in and who might go out.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Impact Player rule apply in international cricket?
No. It is an IPL playing condition. International matches use the standard rules.
Do fantasy games count the Impact Player's points?
Most do, and many add a small appearance bonus for a substitute who plays. Check the rules of your game.
Will the rule continue after 2027?
The BCCI has said it will review the rule after the 2027 season. Until then it remains part of the IPL.