Legendary South African cricketer AB de Villiers has spoken out on whether the 'influential player' rule should be introduced in the SA20 league. AB de Villiers also said that he has never been a big fan of the 'influential player' rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL), adding that he finds the rule confusing.
The Indian Premier League's controversial impact player rule has been extended until 2027. Many believe the rule benefits batsmen while reducing the role of all fielders. Players such as Rohit Sharma and cricket legend Jonty Rhodes have also expressed their concerns, fearing that the rule will harm the balance of the game.
From the outside, it looks exciting – AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers said he feels the Impact Player rule is confusing, adding that it puts some pressure on multiple players and their role in teams. De Villiers stated that the rule may look exciting on paper, but it does not add value to the game.
“I've never been a big fan, to be honest, and I talked about it in the ISL last season. I feel it's a bit overwhelming, and it also puts some pressure on all the players and their role in the teams,” De Villiers said.
“From the outside it looks exciting, but in reality when the match is going on, I've never found it… a good thing in cricket. So, I mean you can try it. And SA20, they have always been open to ideas,” he said, as quoted by Hindustan Times. New rules and new rules, which I find good.”
I like this and believe in it because. .. – AB de Villiers
However, AB de Villiers argues that the Impact Player rule reduces the impact of the throw. De Villiers said choosing two different playing lineups for the match based on the draw allows teams to make more strategic decisions.
“I like the fact that you don't have to bowl, or rather, you can put two teams in the toss, and the moment you win or lose the toss, you can kind of deal a different card. I like that and I believe in that because the more we get “Not playing a part in cricket, it's better for the game and I feel like that's a nice way to address it.”
“If you lose the toss on a tough wicket or a turning track, you have the opportunity to change your team or be handed a different card. So, I like that, and obviously there's a lot of room for improvement in terms of the draft room.”
The influential player rule, which was introduced in the Indian Premier League ahead of the 2023 season
The Impact Player Rule, which was introduced in the Indian Super League ahead of the 2023 season, allows the XII to replace any player in the starting XI during a match. Although two years have passed since its implementation, it has sparked mixed reactions. Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the few players who is in favor of the continuation of the rule.
In the most recent IPL 2024 season, there has been increasing criticism, with several all-rounders reducing their bowling duties due to the rule's impact on team dynamics. Batting totals and bowlers' economy rates have reached all-time highs. Teams have scored more than 250 runs several times during the IPL season.
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