The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently deliberating on two significant playing conditions from the previous domestic and Indian Premier League (IPL) season, in addition to the highly debated Impact Player rule.
The board is undecided on whether to retain the two-bouncer clause, and there are indications that a review is being considered. These rules are intended specifically for the men's Twenty20 inter-state competition, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), as per a report in Cricbuzz.
Last season, the two-bouncer rule was introduced in domestic cricket and subsequently in the IPL, allowing bowlers to effectively utilize a second bouncer in an over.
This contrasts with international cricket, where only one bouncer is permitted per over. While the cricketing community in the country largely welcomed the rule, especially during the IPL, it is understood that the BCCI is currently reviewing its implementation and considering potential changes.
"We understand that Impact Player and two bouncer rules are the key points and no decision has been taken," said an official of a state unit. The decision on whether to include these rules in the SMAT will impact their continuation in the IPL.
The BCCI's delay in sharing the playing conditions for the SMAT has been a persistent issue, despite their earlier assurances that the information would be provided soon.
It has been more than three weeks since the BCCI released the rules, guidelines, and playing conditions for other domestic events scheduled for the upcoming season. However, the state associations are still in the dark about whether two specific rules will be continued.
In a communication sent to the state units on August 5, the BCCI stated, "In relation to the Domestic Season 2024 - 25, we are sharing the following documents for your kind perusal.
1. Guidelines to the Host Associations and Participating teams; 2. Playing Conditions; Men's Multi Day; Men's One Day; Women's Multi Day; Women's One Day; Women's T20; Women's U-15."
The message also included a note indicating that "Men's T20 Playing Conditions will be shared shortly." The SMAT competition is set to commence in November.
The Impact Player rule persists as a contentious subject among cricket enthusiasts. Zaheer Khan, a prominent figure in the sport, recently voiced his endorsement of the regulation. However, it is widely acknowledged that a significant number of players and coaches hold contrasting opinions regarding this matter.
"There has been a debate around the impact sub rule. I'm going on record to say that I'm all for it. 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."
"As far as all-rounders are concerned, right now there is no space for a half all-rounder because of the impact sub (rule). But if you are a genuine all-rounder, (then) no one can stop you. There is always going to be a value addition with the ability with bat and ball," Zaheer said recently in Kolkata during a Lucknow Super Giant event.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah had said that a call will be taken and communicated soon.
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